Israel’s strike on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility caused ‘radioactive and chemical contamination’: IAEA chief

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi told the United Nations Security Council that Israel’s recent strike on an Iranian nuclear facility resulted in both 'radioactive and chemical contamination.'

“Israel destroyed the above-ground part of the Natanz nuclear facility. There are no indications of damage to the underground enrichment facilities at the site, but the power outage may have affected the centrifuges. There is radioactive and chemical contamination at the site," Grossi said.

“At present, the Iranian authorities are informing us of attacks on two other facilities, namely the Fordow fuel enrichment plant and at Isfahan facility," he told United Nations.

“At this moment, we do not have enough information beyond indicating that military activity has been taking place around these facilities as well," he added.

Im ready to travel to Iran at the earliest to assess the situation and ensure safety, security and non-proliferation in Iran.https://t.co/XybjKJWptbpic.twitter.com/DVKEOecqvg

Rafael Mariano Grossi (@rafaelmgrossi) June 13, 2025

"Radiation levels outside the Natanz facility remained unchanged," Grossi stated, "but there was radioactive contamination present inside the facility, which can be managed with appropriate protective measures."

Requesting the Security Council meeting, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, “Israel has now crossed every red line, and the international community must not allow these crimes to go unpunished."

“Iran reaffirms its inherent right to self-defence as enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter and will respond decisively and proportionately to these unlawful and cowardly acts," Araghchi wrote in a letter.