Iran’s Only Operational Nuclear Plant Struck By Projectile, No Damage Reported

Iran’s only operational nuclear plant struck by projectile, no damage reported Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, the Islamic Republic’s only operational nuclear power reactor, has been struck by a projectile, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says, though no damage or injuries have been reported.

The incident was confirmed on Wednesday after Iranian authorities notified the UN nuclear watchdog of the strike near the facility in southwestern Iran. The IAEA said the area around the Bushehr plant was hit by an unidentified projectile, but there was no damage to the reactor or surrounding buildings, and no injuries among staff. The agency’s director general reiterated calls for restraint amid the broader Middle East conflict, warning of the risks posed by military operations near nuclear sites. Iran reported the incident through official channels, and the IAEA has been urging all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any chance of a nuclear accident as regional hostilities continue

The Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant is located in the Bushehr province on Iran’s southwestern coast along the Persian Gulf. It is the country’s only commercial nuclear power plant and houses a single pressurised water reactor (VVER‑1000) that was completed and connected to the national grid in 2011 with Russian assistance.The facility generates electricity for civilian use and is separate from Iran’s nuclear fuel enrichment and weapons‑related sites. Although it contributes only a small portion of the nation’s overall power generation, it remains a symbol of Iran’s long‑standing nuclear programme.

Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation Rosatom condemned the strike near Bushehr, urging all sides in the conflict to de‑escalate and protect the safety of nuclear installations. Officials said radiation levels remained normal following the incident. The IAEA has consistently emphasised the importance of safeguarding nuclear facilities amid rising tensions across the Middle East, as recent military actions have repeatedly brought infrastructure close to potential harm. The report of the projectile hitting near Bushehr comes amid ongoing hostilities in the region involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. Although there were no direct impacts on nuclear operations this time, the incident has highlighted international concerns about the safety of nuclear sites in conflict zones.