Iran’s heavy water production plant in Khondab, central Iran, has suffered significant damage, rendering it inoperable, as reported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The IAEA verified the plant’s condition based on satellite imagery and on-site knowledge, following an attack on March 27. Despite the damage, the plant does not house any declared nuclear materials, according to the IAEA and Xinhua news agency.
The IAEA, after being notified by Iran about the attack on the Khondab facility, assured that there was no radiation threat associated with the incident. This development occurred within the broader context of the escalating tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran since February 28. Subsequently, Iran reported additional strikes on vital installations, including the Khondab heavy water production plant, with the IAEA confirming no radiation risk due to the absence of nuclear materials at the site.
In a separate incident, Iran disclosed an attack on the Khuzestan Steel Production Factory, which utilizes sealed radioactive sources for industrial purposes. The facility, housing Cobalt-60 and Cesium-137, remained operational with no radiation leakage beyond its premises. Furthermore, the IAEA expressed concerns over recent military activities near the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, marking the third such incident within a span of 10 days.
