A projectile struck near the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran on Tuesday, according to Iranian authorities and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported Wednesday. As of this report, no release of nuclear material has been reported, though the incident raised the possibility of a radiological event.
Concerns Over Nuclear Facility
Authorities in both Iran and Russia have stated there was no technical damage or loss of life. However, the incident underscores ongoing concerns among Gulf neighbors regarding the potential for an attack on, or natural disaster impacting, the plant.
According to official reports, the projectile landed near a building within the complex, without affecting the operating unit. “An impact occurred in the area adjacent to the metrology services building, in the vicinity of the operating unit,” stated Alexey Likhachev, director of the Russian state corporation Rosatom, as cited by the Tass agency. He added, “There were no casualties among personnel. The radiation situation at the site is normal.”
The Iranian Atomic Energy Organization corroborated this account, stating, “No financial, technical or human damage was recorded and no part of the plant was affected.”
The IAEA confirmed that Iran informed them a projectile hit the Bushehr nuclear plant facilities Tuesday night, and that no damage to the plant or personnel injuries were reported.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi reiterated his call for restraint during the ongoing conflict to avoid any risk of a nuclear accident.
The Bushehr plant, located in southwestern Iran, currently uses Russian-enriched uranium at 4.5%, suitable for electricity generation, and provides between 1% and 2% of the country’s total energy. Since 2019, Iran has sought to expand the plant with two additional 1,000-megawatt reactors.
The project for the plant, located 59 kilometers from Kharg Island, dates back to the 1970s, when the Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi planned to build 23 nuclear reactors. Construction began in 1975 but was halted after the 1979 Islamic Revolution and during the Iran-Iraq War. Russia later resumed the project.
Since the start of the war on February 28, when the United States and Israel intensified operations against the Iranian regime, the country’s nuclear infrastructure has become a major global concern. During a 12-day war in June 2025, the Bushehr plant remained intact, while other enrichment sites were reportedly bombed by the United States, destroying centrifuges. Following those operations, the regime of the then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei blocked access for international inspectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at the Bushehr nuclear plant?
A projectile impacted near the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran on Tuesday, according to Iranian authorities and the IAEA.
Was there any damage to the plant?
According to reports from Iranian and Russian authorities, there was no technical damage to the plant and no casualties.
What is the IAEA’s response to the incident?
The IAEA has confirmed that Iran informed them of the incident and reiterated its call for restraint to avoid any risk of a nuclear accident.
Given the current geopolitical climate, what steps might be taken to ensure the safety and security of nuclear facilities in the region?
