IAEA sees no radiological release risk in Iran amid ongoing conflict

VIENNA, March 4 (Xinhua) -- No damage has been found to facilities containing nuclear material in Iran, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Wednesday, based on the analysis of latest available satellite imagery.

The imagery therefore indicated no radiological release risk at the time, said the IAEA in a social media post.

Near the Isfahan nuclear site, damage can be seen at two buildings. At the Natanz site, no additional impact was detected after the previously reported damage at its entrances, while there was no impact at other nuclear sites, including Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant.

"IAEA remains in constant contact with national nuclear safety regulators in the Middle East. So far, no elevation of radiation detected," the IAEA said, adding that the nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates and research reactors in Jordan and Syria continue to operate normally.

In the social media post, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stressed the "paramount importance" of maintaining regional nuclear safety and security during the military conflict.

The United States and Israel on Saturday launched "major combat operations" against Iran. On Tuesday, the IAEA said that some recent damage has been confirmed to Iran's Natanz Fuel Enrichment Plant. ■