Iran Accuses US of Striking Darkhovin Nuclear Plant, UN Watchdog Probes

Iran’s nuclear agency says the United States launched an overnight attack on the under construction Darkhovin nuclear power plant, calling it a terrorist act and a violation of international law. The IAEA confirmed it is investigating the reports and said the site posed no radiological risk since it contained no nuclear material.

Iran is accusing the United States of launching an overnight attack on a nuclear power plant still under construction in the country’s southwest, a claim that has now drawn scrutiny from the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog. So, what exactly is Iran claiming? The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran is claiming that multiple projectiles struck the Darkhovin nuclear power plant site in Khuzestan province. According to the agency, the strike took place at 3:39 a.m. local time. Construction on the plant first began back in 2022.

“The terrorist and criminal US regime, whose nature is nothing but bullying and lawlessness, carried out an aggressive and barbaric act in violation of international law,” the statement read.

The agency also framed the significance of the site itself, describing the Darkhovin facility as a symbol of Iran’s national dignity and its scientific independence, per Al Jazeera.

Because of that, the agency said it does not believe the reported attack poses any radiological danger to the surrounding area.

The IAEA also confirmed it has reached out to Iranian authorities regarding the public reports of the attack and said it will share additional details once more information becomes available.