Satellite images show damage near Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Plant

Satellite images show damage near Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Plant

Satellite images analysed by Al Jazeera indicate fresh signs of damage around Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant following recent US military strikes, raising concerns about the safety of facilities located near the country’s only operational nuclear reactor.

According to Al Jazeera’s investigation, satellite imagery captured between July 7 and July 12 shows several new impact craters inside the Bushehr nuclear complex. The images also reveal damage to nearby support facilities, suggesting that multiple strikes hit areas within or close to the site during that period.

The news outlet said it produced its assessment by examining commercially available satellite images, reviewing videos recorded on the ground after the attacks, and comparing them with operational details released by the US Central Command (CENTCOM).

Bushehr Deputy Governor Ehsan Jahanian said that several locations across the southern province came under attack on July 9, including areas surrounding the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, a military facility in Choghadak, and a fishing port along the coast. He later clarified that the plant’s nuclear reactor did not sustain any damage and continued operating normally.

CENTCOM stated that US forces carried out strikes against nearly 90 military targets across Iran on July 7 and 8. The operation targeted air defence systems, missile and drone storage sites, naval assets, and other military infrastructure. However, US officials did not identify Bushehr or any nuclear facility as a designated target.

Bushehr remains Iran’s only operational nuclear power plant and houses one active reactor alongside another that is still under construction. Although officials say the reactor remained unharmed, experts warn that any damage to the plant’s cooling systems, electrical supply, or other critical safety infrastructure could pose serious risks because of the presence of nuclear fuel and radioactive materials.

The latest satellite findings have renewed attention on the potential dangers of military operations conducted near sensitive nuclear facilities, even when the reactors themselves remain intact.