A missile struck near the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran Saturday, alongside attacks on petrochemical facilities, prompting international concern.
Attacks on Iranian Facilities
Explosions and fires occurred at petrochemical plants in Bandar-e Mahshahr, southern Iran, according to Iranian media reports on Saturday. The Bandar-e Emam petrochemical complex in the same region was also damaged in the strikes.
A missile also impacted near the Bushehr nuclear power plant.
IAEA Assessment
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that a missile struck near the Bushehr nuclear power plant, resulting in the death of a security guard and damage to a building from debris and the shockwave.
The IAEA stated that there was no reported increase in radiation levels. Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, via the Tasnim news agency, confirmed that major installations remained intact and production was not disrupted.
Allegations of Responsibility
The governor of Khuzestan province claimed the attacks on the petrochemical plants in Bandar-e Mahshahr and Bandar-e Emam were carried out by the US and Israel. Iranian news agency Fars reported that the targets were facilities within a special economic zone specializing in oil and petrochemical exports.
Additional Targets
According to the “Tehran Times,” a facility belonging to the Ministry of Agriculture in Mehran, western Iran, near the border with Iraq, was also hit.
Iraqi Response and Casualties
Iraq closed the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iran, near Basra, on Saturday following the attacks on the Iranian side, which resulted in the death of an Iraqi citizen, security sources told Reuters.
At least five Iraqis were seriously injured after a strike hit a passenger reception area, and were hospitalized. The crossing was closed to both pedestrian and commercial traffic.