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IAEA Confirms Near-Miss at Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Plant as Russia Seeks Safety Zone

Russia is pushing for a protected zone around the facility following the IAEA-confirmed strike.

Overview

  • A projectile struck and destroyed a structure about 350 metres from the Bushehr reactor with no reported injuries or reactor damage, according to the IAEA, which did not specify the weapon or the attacker.
  • Rosatom said radiation readings remain normal and disclosed that the site holds roughly 72 tons of fissile material and 210 tons of spent nuclear fuel.
  • Rosatom reported prior evacuations of personnel and families, stated about 480 Russian staff remain, and told reporters a major further withdrawal is planned that would leave only a few dozen on site.
  • Rosatom chief Alexei Likhachev urged creation of a “safety island” around Bushehr, while Russia’s foreign ministry condemned the strike and called for IAEA censure and de‑escalation.
  • The near‑miss intensified international concern over nuclear safety and regional fallout risks for the Persian Gulf, and news reports noted a surge in oil prices as energy infrastructure comes under fire.