The area around Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant has been attacked for the fourth time during the current war, Iranian officials say, as the US and Israel continue to target energy and other industrial sites.
One of the plant's employees was killed in the attack, Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation stated. While Iran accused the US and Israel of orchestrating the attack, neither country has confirmed their involvement.
Bushehr is Iran's only operational nuclear power plant and was completed with assistance from Russia.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN's nuclear watchdog, reported it had been informed of the strike and expressed deep concern over the escalation of attacks.
No increase in radiation levels was reported, the IAEA added, emphasizing that nuclear sites and their surrounding areas must never be attacked and calling for maximum military restraint to avoid a nuclear incident.
Recently, US President Donald Trump announced a temporary pause on attacks on energy plants, urging Iran to reach an agreement, with a stern warning of severe consequences if they failed to comply.
In retaliation, Iran has intensified missile strikes on Gulf States, Iraq, and Israel, with falling debris from intercepted missiles causing damage across regions.
Iran's nuclear program has long been a source of international tension, resulting in extensive sanctions. The US-Israeli conflict with Iran has been ongoing since February 28, following failed nuclear discussions in Geneva.
Iran's Foreign Minister cautioned against actions that could lead to a catastrophic incident, which would severely impact Gulf nations aligned with the US. He highlighted the hypocrisy of the West's criticism concerning nuclear site attacks, referencing the situation at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
Moscow has begun evacuating personnel from the Bushehr plant, with reports noting that many have already left amid fears of further escalations.
Additionally, attacks in Iran have hit over 30 universities, highlighting the expanding scope of conflict from military installations to educational institutions.
