“Based on its knowledge of what these halls contained, the IAEA assesses that this strike may have caused localized contamination and chemical hazards,” Grossi stated.
The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog has revealed that recent US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities caused more destruction than initially believed and may have led to chemical contamination.
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said satellite imagery from Fordow and Natanz shows more extensive damage than first assessed. At Fordow, bunker-buster bombs damaged roads and an entrance, while Natanz sustained two direct hits above underground enrichment halls.
“Based on its knowledge of what these halls contained, the IAEA assesses that this strike may have caused localized contamination and chemical hazards,” Grossi stated.
The US deployed cruise missiles and 14 bunker-buster bombs in Saturday’s attack. Grossi urged Iran to allow IAEA inspectors into the country, warning that full assessment is impossible without access.
“No radiological impact” to the public has been reported. However, Grossi said roughly 900 pounds of 60%-enriched uranium remain unaccounted for, with concerns it may have been relocated before the strikes.