Attacks on the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant (2026)

The attacks on the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant (2026) occurred within the context of military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, which began on 28 February 2026, and involved the nuclear power plant in the city of Bushehr, Iran being struck by multiple missiles and munitions during March 2026.

Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, 2019 - (Anadolu Ajansı)

First Missile Impact and Iranian Official Statements (17–18 March 2026)

The official statement regarding the first missile impact on the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant site was issued by the 17 March 2026 Iran Atomic Energy Organization. The statement indicated that a missile had struck the plant site on the coast of the Persian Gulf.

In a statement issued by the Iran Atomic Energy Organization’s Public Relations Unit, it was reported that following the attack, “there were no casualties, no material damage occurred, and no part of the plant was damaged”.

The statement further emphasized that attacks on nuclear facilities are in violation of international regulations. Iran’s assessment included the statement: “Such actions could lead to irreversible consequences for the entire region, including the countries of the Persian Gulf.”

Satellite Imagery and Technical Assessments (19 March 2026)

A technical assessment prepared on 19 March 2026 by the Institute for Science and International Security (Institute for Science and International Security – ISIS), based in Washington, analyzed satellite imagery of the area around the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. Based on high-resolution Airbus satellite images, a crater from an impact was identified approximately 350 meters from the reactor.

Satellite images examined by the Institute for Science and International Security – ISIS, 18 March 2026 - (Institute for Science and International Security – ISIS)

According to satellite data, the point of impact was found to be the location of an unidentified structure, which was destroyed as a result of the attack.

Images from a week before the attack showed the presence of an object in an open area of the same region, estimated to be approximately 5 meters in length.

Technical assessments confirmed that no damage was detected in any other part of the plant complex and that the nuclear reactor remained unaffected.

Analysis of the debris distribution in the satellite imagery indicated that particles generated by the explosion spread in a southerly direction toward the Persian Gulf. This pattern was interpreted as indicating that the munition likely approached from the north.

Consistent with data from the International Atomic Energy Agency, it was also reported that no damage occurred to the reactor and no personnel were injured.

Attack on 24 March 2026 and IAEA Incident Report

Another attack on the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant site occurred on 24 March 2026 at approximately 21:08 (IRST). The incident was reported by Iran’s Nuclear Regulatory Organization to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

According to the IAEA’s published incident report, a projectile (missile or munition) struck within the plant compound. The same report stated that the attack occurred as part of “air and missile strikes carried out by the Zionist regime and the United States of America”.

Technical assessments conducted after the incident confirmed that “no damage occurred at the facility, no personnel were injured, and the plant continued to operate normally”

.

The IAEA’s incident classification did not assign an INES (International Nuclear Event Scale) rating to this event.

The same report also noted the following findings regarding the impact on humans and the environment:

• No radiation release occurred beyond authorized boundaries,
• No excessive exposure was experienced by the public or workers,
• No damage occurred to radiological barriers,
• No contamination spread occurred within the facility.

The IAEA report further emphasized the need to protect nuclear facilities and personnel, stating that nuclear facilities must not be placed at risk by military actions.

On the same day, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), based on Iran’s report, announced that another missile had struck the plant facilities within the same day. According to Iran’s statement, no damage occurred at the plant and no personnel were injured. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, in his statement on these developments, reiterated that maximum restraint must be exercised to prevent nuclear safety risks during hostilities.

International Reactions and Diplomatic Statements

Various official statements were issued internationally regarding the attacks on the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant site. On 18 March 2026, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova made the following statement regarding the attack:

“We strongly condemn this irresponsible and utterly unacceptable missile attack. Tel Aviv and Washington must refrain from reckless strikes on nuclear infrastructure. This increases the risk of a radiological and environmental catastrophe in the region.”

The same statement called on the parties involved: “We urgently call on the warring parties to immediately establish a ceasefire and engage in efforts to reduce tensions. The continuation of hostilities could lead to unprecedented negative consequences for the entire Middle East, including the nuclear sector.”

23 March 2026, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, in his statement regarding attacks on nuclear facilities in Iran, characterized such actions as “extremely dangerous”. Peskov used the phrase: “This could lead to irreparable consequences.” He further stated that the continuation of attacks on the Bushehr Nuclear Plant would constitute a very significant security threat.

25 March 2026, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, following new attacks on the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant site, reiterated his call for maximum restraint to prevent nuclear safety risks. The IAEA’s statement on the same day noted that Iran’s nuclear facilities had been targeted multiple times since the start of U.S.-Israel military strikes on 28 February 2026. On the same day, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued another statement describing the attack on the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant site as having provoked “deep anger” and labeling the attack as a “careless and irresponsible act”.

26 March 2026, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a call to the United States and Israel to halt attacks on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. In its written statement, the ministry highlighted the attack near the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, noting that despite orders from U.S. President Donald Trump to cease attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure, a dangerous attack had occurred in the region.

The statement included the following: “We are outraged by this reckless and irresponsible approach. The aggressors appear to be attempting to justify their criminal acts, which have caused numerous civilian casualties in Iran, by trying to create a large-scale nuclear catastrophe in the region. Washington and Western Jerusalem must understand that attacks on the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant will lead to irreversible humanitarian and environmental consequences.” It was also stated that the lives of personnel at the plant, including Russian experts, are under threat, and that this situation is unacceptable.

In its call to the United States and Israel, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated: “We demand that those who are unjustifiably, recklessly, and irresponsibly attacking Iran bring their senses to their heads and immediately cease all unprovoked aggression, including attacks on Iran’s nuclear energy infrastructure. We expect a clear response and decisive action from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the United Nations (UN) on this matter.”

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi’s Nuclear Safety Warning (26 March 2026)

26 March 2026, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi issued a statement regarding nuclear safety risks related to the attacks on the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. According to the IAEA’s social media post, Grossi expressed deep concern over recent developments near the plant, including the attacks of 24 March 2026 evening.

Grossi emphasized that the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant is an operational facility containing a large quantity of nuclear material, and warned that any potential damage to the plant “could cause a major accident resulting in widespread radioactive contamination affecting Iran and beyond”. Grossi reiterated his call for maximum restraint to prevent such a risk and highlighted the importance of applying the “seven fundamental principles” for nuclear safety and security.

Iran’s Criticism of IAEA Director General (27 March 2026)

27 March 2026, the Iranian government issued official criticism directed at International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Garibabadi, in his statement, expressed strong disapproval of Grossi’s failure to condemn the attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

In his statement, Garibabadi criticized Grossi’s approach, saying: “Rather than issuing a serious warning about the impact of war on Iran’s protected nuclear program and the use of other destructive and illegal weapons, you are showing the path to destroying Iran’s legitimate and lawful nuclear activities! The Islamic Republic of Iran strongly opposes and issues a serious warning against this biased and passive stance of the Agency’s Director General.”

The statement noted that IAEA Director General Grossi had not yet condemned the recent attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, including the latest strikes on the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant.

Rosatom Personnel Evacuations and Operational Status at the Plant (25 March 2026)

Following the attacks on the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant site, statements were issued by the Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation (Rosatom) regarding personnel evacuations.

25 March 2026, in a statement by Rosatom Director General Aleksey Likhachev, it was reported that a new evacuation process was underway due to security conditions at the plant site. Approximately 163 people were evacuated from Bushehr toward the Iran-Armenia border.

Likhachev stated: “Today, at approximately 07:20 Moscow time, 163 people departed from Bushehr toward the Iran-Armenia border.”

The same statement indicated that approximately 300 people remain at the plant site, with some continuing their duties to monitor facility equipment. It was also noted that Rosatom had previously withdrawn 150 personnel from the plant site following the start of U.S.-Israel attacks.

It was further stated that Rosatom is overseeing the construction of two new reactors at the plant and that the attacks occurred while this construction was ongoing. In a separate statement made at the same time, it was indicated that a third phase of personnel evacuation was planned and that the number of experts on site had been temporarily reduced to a minimum level. These statements also confirmed that no fatalities or injuries had occurred at the plant as a result of the attacks.

Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, 2010 - (Anadolu Ajansı)

Technical and Radiological Safety Status

Following the attacks on the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant site, technical assessments confirmed that the facility’s security and radiological status remained intact.

In the 24 March 2026 incident report submitted to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), it was stated that the overall condition of the plant remained normal after the attack. The same report indicated that no radiation release occurred beyond authorized boundaries and that members of the public or workers had not been exposed to excessive radiation.

Technical evaluations of the plant’s safety systems confirmed that no damage occurred to radiological barriers, critical systems including fuel were unaffected, no contamination spread occurred within the facility, and no weakening of defense layers was detected.

Additionally, it was reported that no physical injuries or fatalities occurred and no ongoing technical issues were detected. International technical assessments also confirmed that the reactor remained unaffected and the nuclear safety systems continued to function properly.

Third Missile Impact and Iran Atomic Energy Organization Statement (28 March 2026)

28 March 2026, a new missile struck the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant site. In a statement posted on the Iran Atomic Energy Organization’s social media platform: “A missile fired during the U.S.-Israel attacks struck the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant site.” The attack, reported as the third against the facility, resulted in no casualties or reported material or technical damage.

Technical and Historical Features of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant

The Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant is located on the coast of the Persian Gulf and is Iran’s only operational nuclear power plant. The plant has an installed capacity of 1,000 megawatts.

The development of the plant proceeded as follows:

• In 1974, the Iran Atomic Energy Organization began its operations.
• In 1976, an agreement was signed between Iran and Germany for the construction of a nuclear power plant.
• In 1979, following the Iranian Revolution, German contractors abandoned the project.
• Between 1980 and 1988, the project was interrupted due to Iraqi bombing of Bushehr during the Iran-Iraq War.
• In 1995, an agreement was signed between Iran and Russia for the construction of the plant.

The plant began initial operations on 4 September 2011 with an electricity output of 60 megawatts.

In 2012, the plant began operating at full capacity. As of 11 March 2026, following the evacuation of 150 personnel to Russia, approximately 450 workers remain at the plant.

Attack on 4 April 2026

On 4 April 2026, a new attack was carried out against the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant site. According to Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency, “a U.S.-Israel attack targeted the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant site”, and it was reported that a security officer at the plant lost his life. Information on the attack indicated that one of the plant’s auxiliary buildings sustained damage due to the blast and shrapnel.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that Iran had informed it that a missile had struck near the plant and that a security officer had been killed. The IAEA also stated that a building had been affected by shockwaves and shrapnel, and that no increase in radiation levels was detected.

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi expressed deep concern regarding the attack and emphasized that nuclear power plant sites and their surrounding areas must never be targeted. Grossi drew attention to the fact that auxiliary buildings may house vital safety equipment and reiterated his call for maximum military restraint to prevent a nuclear accident.

Iran’s Statements on the Attack

On 4 April 2026, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made a statement regarding the attacks on the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. In a social media post, Araghchi asked: “Do you remember the West’s outrage over the fighting near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant?” and warned: “Israel and the U.S. have bombed our Bushehr plant four times. Radioactive fallout will not reach Tehran, but will end life in the capitals of the Gulf Cooperation Council.” The Iranian minister also noted that attacks on Iran’s petrochemical sector clearly reveal the true objectives of these actions.

Evacuation Process and Russia’s Statements

On 4 April 2026, Rosatom Director General Aleksey Likhachev announced that 198 people had been evacuated from the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. Likhachev stated regarding the evacuation: “Buses departed from the plant toward the Iran-Armenia border. Exactly 198 people, this is the largest evacuation operation.” It was also stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin had been continuously informed of developments at the plant.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, regarding the attack, stated: “We strongly condemn this inhumane act that has caused human losses.” Zakharova described the attacks as “illegal and reckless” and added: “Russia is making every effort to draw the attention of the international community and the broader public to the fact that the situation at the plant is approaching a dangerous threshold.”

Iran Atomic Energy Organization’s Response to the IAEA

On 4 April 2026, the Iran Atomic Energy Organization issued a statement regarding the IAEA’s stance.

The organization’s social media post stated: “When a peaceful nuclear facility is attacked, is merely expressing ‘deep concern’ truly sufficient?” The statement further added: “Underestimating a global threat with passive statements only emboldens the aggressors.”

On 6 April 2026, Iran Atomic Energy Organization President Mohammad Eslami, in a letter to IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, assessed the attacks on the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. Eslami characterized the attacks as “a clear violation of international law” and “an example of a war crime”.

In the same statement, it was recalled that this was the fourth attack on the plant and that the IAEA was called upon to explicitly condemn these actions. Eslami emphasized that such attacks could lead to a large-scale release of radioactive material from an operating reactor, resulting in irreversible consequences for people, the environment, and neighboring countries.

The President of the Iran Atomic Energy Organization also criticized the IAEA and Director General Grossi for their “indifference” to these attacks, arguing that merely expressing “deep concern” without explicitly condemning the attacks is insufficient and encourages further aggression. He warned that such an approach could lead the IAEA to be perceived as engaging in “open cooperation” with the aggressors, and emphasized that Iran would take necessary measures to defend its sovereign rights.

IAEA Satellite Analysis and Nuclear Safety Warning

On 6 April 2026, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) released new analysis results based on satellite imagery of attacks near the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. The IAEA’s statement confirmed that attacks near the plant had been verified and that one of these attacks occurred approximately 75 meters from the plant site.

Analysis of images taken on 5 April indicated that the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant had not been damaged, as previously stated. The statement also included views from IAEA Director General Grossi. Grossi warned that ongoing “military activities” near Bushehr, a facility containing large quantities of nuclear fuel and still in operation, could lead to a serious accident causing radioactive leakage with harmful consequences for the people of Iran and beyond.

Grossi further emphasized that such attacks, regardless of the nature of the target, constitute a real nuclear safety threat and reiterated that nuclear facilities and their surrounding areas must never be targeted.

WHO Warning on Health Risks

On 5 April 2026, World Health Organization (WHO) Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus issued a statement regarding the attack on the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. Ghebreyesus, quoting IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, expressed solidarity with the IAEA’s concerns regarding the safety of nuclear facilities in Iran.

In his statement, he said: “The latest attack on the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant painfully reminds us that an assault can trigger a nuclear accident, leading to health effects that could last for generations.” The statement also drew attention to the increasing risks and threats in Iran due to U.S. and Israeli attacks and emphasized the need to reduce tensions in the region. Ghebreyesus used the phrase: “Peace is the best medicine.”