Has there been "nuclear contamination" at Iran's uranium enrichment site after the Israeli attack?

The Iranian media captured thick smoke rising from the Natanz uranium enrichment site in central Iran, but the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran said the site was damaged on the surface. The Israeli Defense Forces, however, claimed they had hit underground facilities.

According to the Israeli military, approximately 200 aircraft targeted around 100 locations.

According to reports by Iran's state television, the Natanz uranium enrichment site was "attacked multiple times," with thick black smoke rising from the scene.

The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (IAEO) stated that most of the facility is located underground, and the majority of the damage occurred "on the surface." The Israeli Defense Forces, however, claimed to have struck underground facilities.

According to Agence France-Presse, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported no "increase in radiation levels" observed at Natanz.

However, in its statement released on Friday regarding the situation in Iran, the organization said it is currently in contact with Iran's nuclear safety authorities to verify the condition of affected nuclear facilities and assess their broader impact on nuclear safety and security.

The IAEA said that, as confirmed by relevant Iranian departments, although the Natanz fuel enrichment facility has been affected, no increase in radiation levels has been recorded. They also stated that the Isfahan and Fordu nuclear facilities were not impacted.

The IAEA said that this situation is particularly concerning because nuclear facilities must never be attacked under any circumstances, as such attacks could harm the public and the environment. Such incidents would have serious consequences for nuclear safety, nuclear security, and safeguarding measures, severely undermining regional and international peace and security.

According to reports by Iranian media, Iranian Chief of Staff General Mohammad Baqeri and six scientists involved in Iran's nuclear program also lost their lives in this attack, which resulted in at least 95 deaths nationwide.

A building in Tehran's affluent Nobonyad district sustained severe damage. Rescue personnel conducted rescue operations in the rubble surrounded by a large number of security forces.

Original Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1834835262313476/

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