Bushehr Deputy Governor denies reports of attack on nuclear power area

The Deputy Governor of Bushehr for Political, Security, and Social Affairs has denied reports claiming an attack on the Bushehr nuclear power plant area, according to Iran’s ISNA news agency. The denial comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region following a fresh exchange of strikes between the United States and Iran.

The Bushehr nuclear power plant, Iran’s only operational civilian nuclear facility, has been a focus of international concern amid the escalating conflict. Recent reports had suggested that the area surrounding the plant may have been targeted, with Iranian state media earlier quoting Bushehr’s deputy governor as saying that several locations in the province had been struck, including the “perimeter of the nuclear power plant” . These reports had led to fears of a potential radiological incident, as the site operates under IAEA safeguards .

However, the latest statement from the deputy governor appears to walk back those claims, asserting that no attack on the nuclear facility occurred. The International Atomic Energy Agency has also stated that it is not currently observing or confirming any direct attack on the Bushehr nuclear power plant . IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has reiterated that attacks on any nuclear facility are “absolutely unacceptable” and has called for maximum restraint from all parties .

The conflicting reports come after Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had earlier warned the UN and IAEA about continuous attacks against Iran’s nuclear facilities, including the Bushehr plant, warning of the risk of radioactive contamination with “grave humanitarian and environmental consequences” . Iranian state media had initially accused the US and Israel of carrying out strikes on targets near the plant , while US officials denied any involvement in the latest attacks .

The situation remains highly tense, with the region on edge following the collapse of the US-Iran ceasefire and renewed military exchanges. The international community continues to urge restraint and a return to diplomacy to prevent further escalation and the potential for a catastrophic nuclear incident.