In brief
Iran reports a fresh assault on its Bushehr nuclear power plant, marking the fourth such incident since the onset of conflict. The attack led to one fatality among the plant's staff, with Iran attributing responsibility to the US and Israel, though both nations deny involvement. The International Atomic Energy Agency has voiced deep concern regarding the implications of these strikes on nuclear safety and has urged for restraint to avoid potential nuclear accidents.
The area around Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant has been attacked for the fourth time during the current war, Iranian officials say, as the US and Israel continue to target energy and other industrial sites.
One of the plant's employees was killed in the attack, Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation said. It blamed the US and Israel for the attack, but neither country has confirmed carrying it out.
Bushehr is Iran's only operational nuclear power plant and was completed with Russia's help.
The International Atomic Energy Agency - the UN's nuclear watchdog - said it had been informed of the strike and had expressed deep concern.
No increase in radiation levels was reported, it wrote on X, stressing that nuclear power plant sites and nearby areas must never be attacked and called for maximum military restraint to avoid a nuclear accident.
US President Donald Trump announced a pause on attacks on energy plants for 10 days for Iran to make a deal, with a renewed threat that all Hell will reign down on them if no agreement is reached within 48 hours.
Meanwhile, Iran has continued launching missiles at the Gulf States, Iraq, and Israel, with falling debris from intercepted missiles causing damage. Both Iranian and US forces are also searching for a missing American crew member following the downing of an F-15 fighter jet.
In response to the recent attack on Bushehr, the Iranian statement noted that the main parts of the plant did not appear to be damaged and its operations were not affected. Additionally, Russia has begun evacuating its staff from the site.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi cautioned that continued hostilities could lead to a catastrophic nuclear disaster, paralleling global reactions to incidents at nuclear sites elsewhere.
Overall, Iran’s nuclear program has spurred international tensions and extensive sanctions, as the ongoing war that started on 28 February significantly escalates security concerns in the region.
