Vienna, IAEA Holds Extraordinary Session on Israel’s Strikes at Russia’s Request

An extraordinary session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors convened in Vienna today, June 16, 2025, following a formal request from the Russian Federation to address recent Israeli military strikes allegedly targeting Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities operating under IAEA safeguards .Key Developments: • Meeting called by RussiaRussia’s Permanent Representative in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, formally requested the special session, scheduled for Monday morning, to examine the “technical aspects and consequences” of Israel’s military activities . • IAEA Director-General Grossi sounds alarmIAEA head Rafael Mariano Grossi warned of serious radiological and chemical dangers if military operations continue, particularly due to damage involving uranium hexafluoride at Iran’s Natanz enrichment site .He underscored the importance of “timely and regular technical information” from Iran to properly assess risks, noting that while radiation outside these facilities remains at normal levels, the real threat lies in the interiors . • Current damage assessmentGrossi reported no new structural harm at Natanz or Fordow since the initial attacks. The above-ground section of Natanz showed significant damage, and power disruptions could have affected centrifuges underground. Fordow’s underground site remains intact .At Isfahan, at least four critical buildings—like uranium conversion, chemical, and fuel fabrication facilities—were struck . • Board reactions and condemnationsEleven IAEA Board members—including Iran, Russia, China, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Venezuela—jointly condemned the strikes, calling them violations of international law and of the IAEA statute. They urged Israel to halt military operations against safeguarded facilities and demanded detailed reporting from the IAEA leadership . • Call for restraintGrossi cautioned that military escalation could hinder diplomatic efforts under the Non‑Proliferation Treaty (NPT), delay inspections, and raise the risk of radiological releases with far-reaching consequences .The IAEA has committed to keeping its inspectors in Iran and sending in technical and safety experts when conditions permit .Background ContextThe strikes stem from Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion,” a campaign beginning June 13 targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure, resulting in extensive damage at Natanz and Isfahan, and triggering Iranian retaliatory strikes .In recent days, Iran has threatened a potential withdrawal from the NPT, escalating regional volatility .What Comes Next?The extraordinary session will likely press the IAEA Secretariat for a comprehensive technical assessment and recommendations on safeguarding nuclear installations. The debate may also intensify calls for stronger international oversight and potential Security Council involvement.⸻This extraordinary session marks a significant moment — signaling growing international concern over attacks on safeguarded nuclear facilities and raising serious questions about the future of Iran’s nuclear commitments under global treaties.