The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that Iran’s nuclear facilities remain unharmed following reported retaliatory strikes by Israel. In a statement released on Friday, the United Nations Atomic Watchdog emphasized the importance of avoiding military actions targeting nuclear installations.
The IAEA’s Director General, Rafael Mariano Grossi, reiterated the need for extreme restraint from all parties involved in the conflict. The agency underscored that nuclear sites should never become targets in military confrontations.
The confirmation from IAEA came after reports of Israeli airstrikes in Iran, with an US official confirming the attacks but unable to verify if sites in Syria and Iraq were also targeted. The strikes reportedly resulted in the downing of miniature UAVs and caused disturbances in the Isfahan region of central Iran.
IAEA can confirm that there is no damage to #Iran’s nuclear sites. DG @rafaelmgrossi continues to call for extreme restraint from everybody and reiterates that nuclear facilities should never be a target in military conflicts. IAEA is monitoring the situation very closely. pic.twitter.com/4F7pAlNjWM
— IAEA – International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️ (@iaeaorg) April 19, 2024
In response, Iran activated air defense systems and temporarily halted flight operations in cities like Tehran, Shiraz, and Isfahan, although operations were later resumed. These events unfolded following Iran’s missile and drone barrage against Israel earlier in April, which Iran claimed was retaliation for an alleged Israeli strike on its consulate in Syria.
During discussions at the UN Security Council, Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian warned against further military actions targeting Iranian interests. He urged the international community to prevent Israel from escalating the situation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on the other hand, emphasized Israel’s resolve to protect itself, even if it contradicts advice from allies. This stance was articulated after meetings with foreign ministers from the UK and Germany, who had arrived in Israel for discussions.
Simultaneously, reports from Syria indicated attacks on Syrian military radar sites in southern governorates, while residents in Mosul and Erbil in Iraq reported hearing fighter jets, suggesting a broader regional tension.
The situation underscores the delicate balance and potential ramifications of military actions in the region, highlighting the need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict escalation.