Details of the Strike
A projectile struck near Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant on Saturday, marking the fourth such incident in recent weeks, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency. One physical protection staff member died from a projectile fragment, and a building on the site sustained damage from shock waves and fragments. Iranian officials stated that the main parts of the plant remained undamaged, with operations continuing unaffected.
IAEA's Immediate Response
The International Atomic Energy Agency, informed by Iran about the strike, expressed "deep concern" through its head, Rafael Grossi. The agency noted in an X post that no increase in radiation levels occurred at the site. It emphasized that nuclear power plant areas "must never be attacked" and urged "maximum military restraint" to prevent a potential accident.
Human and Operational Impacts
Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation reported the death of the plant's employee. The organization blamed the US and Israel for the attack, though neither country confirmed involvement. Russia, which helped construct and operates the facility, began evacuating 198 workers from the site on Saturday. Alexei Likhachev, head of Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom, confirmed the evacuation process that morning.
Warnings from Iranian Leaders
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned against a major accident that could "end life" in Gulf Arab states allied to the US. He pointed to the attacks on Bushehr as the fourth in the series, drawing parallels to international outrage over strikes near Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia plant. Iranian Science Minister Hossein Simai Sarraf added that more than 30 universities in Iran have faced strikes since the conflict started, including an attack on Tehran's Shahid Beheshti University.
The sources also report that the Mahshahr petrochemical complex and the Bandar Imam petrochemical company in south-western Iran were targeted in attacks, injuring five people.
Escalating Regional Tensions
US President Donald Trump announced on March 27 a 10-day pause in attacks on energy plants. He reiterated on Saturday via Truth Social that severe consequences would follow if Iran failed to act. US forces continue searching for a missing crew member after an F-15 fighter jet was shot down on Friday, while a pilot from the incident was rescued.
The sources also report that the evacuation of the 198 workers from the Bushehr nuclear power plant began on the morning of the incident.