UN Nuclear Watchdog Says Iran’s Khondab Reactor Site Hit, But No Radiological Risk Reported

ISTANBUL, June 19 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed Thursday that it has information indicating that Iran’s Khondab heavy water research reactor site was hit, but said there was no radiological risk, as the facility was not yet operational, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.

“IAEA has information that the Khondab (former Arak) heavy water research reactor, under construction, was hit. It was not operational and contained no nuclear material, so no radiological effects," the agency said on X.

However, it noted that it currently has “no information indicating the Khondab heavy water plant was hit,” drawing a distinction between the reactor and the associated production facility.

The IAEA has been closely monitoring developments following recent reports of strikes on nuclear-linked sites in Iran. It remains in contact with Iranian authorities to assess any impact on nuclear safety and security.

Iran has not yet officially commented on the IAEA’s remarks. The Khondab facility, formerly known as Arak, is one of the sites subject to international scrutiny under past nuclear agreements.

Hostilities began last Friday when Israel launched airstrikes on several sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran to launch retaliatory strikes.

Israeli authorities said at least 24 people have been killed and hundreds injured since then in Iranian missile attacks.

Meanwhile, in Iran, 585 people have been killed and more than 1,300 wounded in the Israeli assault, according to Iranian media reports.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU