Projectile strikes Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant territory - IAEA

18 March, 09:36 AM
World
Satellite image of Bushehr nuclear plant in Iran, Feb. 27, 2026 (Photo: Vantor/Handout via REUTERS)

Satellite image of Bushehr nuclear plant in Iran, Feb. 27, 2026 (Photo: Vantor/Handout via REUTERS)

A projectile struck the territory of the Bushehr nuclear power plant on the evening of March 17, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported on March 18.

No damage to the plant or casualties among the staff have been reported. The Iranian side informed the IAEA about the shelling of the plant's territory, the statement noted.

Agency Director General Rafael Grossi urged the parties to exercise "maximum restraint during the conflict" to prevent the risk of a nuclear accident.

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Iranian media reported on March 17 that a projectile hit the territory of the nuclear power plant in the city of Bushehr. The type of munition was not specified. According to the claims, the strike did not cause material or technical damage.

Rosatom, the Russian company that built the plant, announced an explosion "on the territory adjacent to the NPP's meteorological service building, in close proximity to the operating power unit." Radiation levels around the station remained normal, Russia claimed.

Bushehr NPP operates one reactor, which was built by Russia and launched in 2013. Up until March 2026, Rosatom had been building two more power units there. The Russian company said on March 3 that all construction work had been suspended due to hostilities, with plans to evacuate hundreds of employees to Russia.

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