Overview
- The IAEA confirmed a projectile struck near the Bushehr nuclear complex on Saturday, killing a member of the site’s security team and damaging an auxiliary building, with no rise in radiation reported.
- WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said a hit on the operating plant could trigger a nuclear accident with health harms lasting for generations and urged urgent de-escalation.
- Iran blamed the United States and Israel for the attacks, while Russia, which helped build and helps run the plant, said it evacuated 198 workers after the latest strike.
- Experts warn a direct hit could release iodine-131 and cesium-137 that would contaminate the Persian Gulf and foul desalination plants, a lifeline for cities like Doha, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Manama that keep only a few days of water in reserve.
- The weekend blast was the fourth strike near Bushehr in recent weeks, following reported hits on March 17, 24 and 27, alongside attacks on other Iranian nuclear sites including Natanz, Khondab and Ardakan.