Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), announced on June 13 (local time) that radioactive and chemical contamination had occurred inside the Natanz nuclear facility, which is Iran's main uranium enrichment site.
According to Reuters, Director General Grossi reported to the United Nations Security Council that day that the above-ground pilot enrichment facility at Natanz had been destroyed. He added that while there were no signs of an attack on the underground enrichment facility at Natanz, it is possible that centrifuges were damaged as a result of an attack on the power grid.
He also reported that radioactive and chemical contamination had occurred inside the Natanz facility. However, he explained that such internal contamination can be managed through radiation protection measures.
Grosjean IAEA Director General reporting via video to the United Nations Security Council. Photo by Yonhap News
The Natanz nuclear facility, located in central Iran, is the heart of Iran's nuclear program. It has long been suspected of producing highly enriched uranium that could be converted for weapons use.
The Natanz facility was first revealed to the international community in 2002 by an Iranian dissident group, and has since been subject to IAEA inspections. For this reason, it has previously been considered a top target for Israeli attacks.
In addition, Director General Grossi stated that Iranian authorities have informed the IAEA that the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant and other facilities located in Isfahan have also been attacked.
He said, "At this time, apart from information indicating that there has been military activity around these facilities, no further information has been obtained."
He emphasized, "The IAEA is prepared to dispatch experts to Iran to ensure the full protection and peaceful use of nuclear facilities," and added, "Nuclear facilities must never become targets of attack."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
