- India,
- 21-Jun-2025 11:05 AM IST
Israel-Iran War: Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN's nuclear watchdog, has issued a serious warning, saying that if Israel attacks Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant, it could lead to a catastrophic nuclear disaster in the Middle East. Addressing an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, Grossi said the attack could have "catastrophic consequences".Attack on Bushehr: Gate to disasterGrossi said that the Bushehr nuclear plant contains thousands of kilograms of nuclear material and this reactor is the Middle East's first civilian nuclear center. He warned that if the plant is directly attacked or its power supply is disrupted, it could cause the cooling system to fail, leading to a dangerous situation like reactor meltdown."In the most serious situation, people living within hundreds of kilometers of Bushehr may have to be ordered to evacuate the site and take shelter. This will also affect the Arab monarchies of the Gulf region, which play a major role in global oil supply," Grossi said.Radiation threat and humanitarian crisisAccording to the IAEA chief, in case of a possible attack, people may have to consume iodine tablets to avoid radioactive emissions. Also, difficulties like restrictions on food supply and water resources may arise. Even if only the power supply is attacked, it can disable the plant's security system."This is the nuclear site of Iran where the consequences can be the most horrific," Grossi clarified.Netanyahu's aggressive stanceIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called Iran's nuclear program a "threat to Israel's existence" and vowed to destroy it. He says, "We will keep fighting as long as necessary." At the same time, Iran claims that its nuclear program is only for peaceful purposes. But its policy of enriching uranium up to 60% has made Israel and Western countries more worried.Ninth day of war: casualties mountThe conflict, which began with a surprise Israeli attack on June 13, is steadily intensifying. Israel has attacked Iran's nuclear and military installations, killing top scientists and generals. According to the Washington-based Iranian Human Rights Organization, 657 people have been killed in Iran so far, including 263 civilians. At the same time, 450 missiles and 1,000 drones have been fired on Israel, in which 24 people have been confirmed dead and hundreds injured.