IAEA declines to condemn US attack on Darkhovin nuclear plant

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has refrained from condemning a US attack on the construction site of the Darkhovin nuclear power plant in Iran. In a post on its X account on Sunday, the IAEA stated that it is looking into reports of an overnight attack on the facility, which is in the very early stages of construction and contained no nuclear material when last visited by the agency. The IAEA noted that the reported attack is not believed to pose any radiological risk, but IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi reiterated a call for military restraint in the vicinity of all nuclear-related sites. The agency has contacted Iran about the public reports and will provide further information as it becomes available.

In response, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) issued a statement strongly condemning the US attack, describing it as an aggressive and brutal act in violation of international law. The AEOI stated that the attack occurred at around 3:39 AM local time and involved several projectiles targeting the under-construction site. The statement referred to the Darkhovin plant as "one of the symbols of the Iranian nation's dignity and scientific self-sufficiency."

The US has conducted a series of strikes on Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities under international safeguards over the past year, as part of an illegal and unprovoked war Washington launched jointly with the Israeli regime. The latest AEOI statement came amid heightened tensions in the region, following the renewed US war of aggression in breach of a memorandum of understanding the two countries signed last month to end the war on all fronts. The renewed aggression has prompted Iran to retaliate with drone and missile strikes targeting facilities and bases used by the US military in several regional countries.

According to Mehr News Agency, the IAEA's response has drawn criticism from Iranian officials who expected the agency to condemn the attack. The AEOI emphasized that the Darkhovin plant is under international safeguards and that the attack constitutes a clear violation of international law. The situation remains tense as both sides continue to exchange accusations and military actions.