Iran’s nuclear programme is once again at the centre of a growing geopolitical confrontation, as Tehran faces international pressure while deepening nuclear cooperation with Russia.

Iran operates Russian-designed nuclear infrastructure at Bushehr, while further Russian-Iranian nuclear projects are also under development. Iranian officials have described expanding cooperation with Moscow, including work involving nuclear power and radiopharmaceuticals.

At the same time, Iran’s fortified nuclear facilities remain a major concern for the United States and its allies. The heavily fortified Pickaxe Mountain site near Natanz has emerged as a particular focus amid the continuing US-Iran conflict.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has also referred Iran to the UN Security Council over its failure to cooperate with a long-running investigation into undeclared uranium traces. Iran continues to insist that its nuclear programme is peaceful.

As Russia deepens its relationship with Tehran, the nuclear question is becoming an increasingly important part of the wider geopolitical contest.

Watch GRAVITAS for a closer look at Iran’s nuclear capabilities, Russia’s expanding role and what this partnership could mean for the future of the region.

Iran's Nuclear Fortress Is Getting Stronger as Russia Expands Its Nuclear Ties | GRAVITAS 

US President Donald Trump has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route. With nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply affected, tensions have surged sharply. The US has warned of possible military action if Tehran fails to comply. Recent strikes near Iran’s Bushehr nuclear facility and attacks on key petrochemical hubs have further escalated the crisis, sending shockwaves through global energy markets.


Iran Responds To Trump's Hormuz Deadline, Says Entire Region Would Become 'Hell' If Attacks Escalate

A projectile strike near Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant has killed one security personnel and damaged an auxiliary building, while the main reactor remains unaffected. Bushehr, Iran’s first commercial nuclear facility on the Persian Gulf, has now seen multiple incidents in recent weeks. The attack comes amid rising US-Iran tensions, with Iranian forces warning of strong retaliation and tightening security around the sensitive site.


US-Iran War: Iran Alerts IAEA After Fourth Strike Near Bushehr Nuclear Plant

US-Iran War: Iran Informs IAEA About 4th Attack on Bushehr Nuclear Plant

A projectile from a US-Israeli strike hit near the Bushehr nuclear power plant in southern Iran on Saturday, killing one person, state media reported. Iran’s official news agency IRNA said, “Following the US-Zionist criminal attacks, this Saturday morning, around 8:30 am, a projectile hit the area near the Bushehr nuclear power plant in the southwest.” It added that one of the building’s guards was killed but that there was no damage to the nuclear plant’s facilities.&nbsp;The Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran also confirmed in a social media post that the airstrike damaged a support building.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/downgrade-from-regime-change-to-find-our-pilots-iran-s-speaker-mohammad-bagher-ghalibaf-mocks-us-over-downed-jet-1775237385567">Downgrade from ‘regime change’ to ‘find our pilots’: Iran’s speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf mocks US over downed jet</a>&nbsp;It said in a post on X, “This morning, a projectile struck near the fence of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. One of the auxiliary buildings was damaged, and unfortunately, one of the physical security staff was martyred. This is the fourth attack on the Bushehr power plant in the recent imposed war. The main sections of the power plant have not been damaged.”&nbsp;Iran also informed the IAEA that a projectile struck close to the premises of the Bushehr NPP and that a building on site was affected by shockwaves and fragments. No increase in radiation levels was reported, it added.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>‘Radioactive fallout will end life in GCC capitals, not Tehran’</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticised a lack of concern for the safety of the Bushehr facility and warned that any “radioactive fallout” will end life in GCC capitals, not Tehran.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/capture-us-pilot-alive-get-reward-says-iranian-media-after-tehran-claims-it-downed-f-15e-1775229711486">‘Capture US pilot alive, get reward,’ says Iranian media after Tehran claims it downed F-15E</a>&nbsp;Araghchi said in a post on X, “Remember the Western outrage about hostilities near Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine? Israel-US have bombed our Bushehr plant four times now. Radioactive fallout will end life in GCC capitals, not Tehran.”&nbsp;Director General of the nuclear watchdog IAEA, Rafael Grossi, expressed deep concern about the incident and said, “NPP sites or nearby areas must never be attacked,” noting that auxiliary site buildings may contain vital safety equipment.&nbsp;Grossi reiterated his call for maximum military restraint to avoid the risk of a nuclear accident and stressed the paramount importance of adhering to the 7 pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security during a conflict.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ship-carrying-iranian-crude-to-indian-port-in-gujarat-reroutes-to-china-1775226409514">Ship carrying Iranian crude to Indian port in Gujarat reroutes to China</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;The Bushehr nuclear power plant uses low-enriched uranium from Russia, along with Russian technicians, to supply about 1,000 megawatts of power for Iran.&nbsp;It can power hundreds of thousands of Iranian homes and other businesses and industries, but it contributes only 1% to 2% of total power needs.&nbsp;Iran has been trying to expand the facility, and in 2019, it began a project to add two additional reactors.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>US-Israeli strikes hit petrochemical plants</h2>&nbsp;US and Israeli strikes on Saturday also hit several petrochemical plants in the southern Khuzestan region, an important energy hub, according to Iranian media.&nbsp;Explosions were heard, and smoke was seen rising after missiles hit several locations across the Mahshahr Petrochemical Special Economic Zone.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-jolts-pak-s-ambition-to-broker-peace-says-american-demands-unacceptable-unwilling-to-meet-report-1775243605505">Iran jolts Pak’s ambition to broker peace, says American demands unacceptable; unwilling to meet: Report</a>&nbsp;The state-run Bandar Imam petrochemical complex, which produces chemicals, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), polymers, and a range of other products, was struck and sustained damage, Iran’s Mehr news agency reported.&nbsp;A provincial governor in Khuzestan added that the Fajr 1 and 2 petrochemical companies, as well as other nearby facilities, were also hit, according to the Fars news agency.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, a cement plant in southern Iran was also hit on Saturday, but there were no casualties, said Tasnim news agency, quoting Ahmad Nafisi, the deputy governor of the southern Hormozgan province.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticised a lack of concern for the safety of the Bushehr facility and warned that any radioactive fallout will end life in GCC capitals, not Tehran. Director General of nuclear watchdog IAEA, Rafael Grossi, also expressed deep concern over the strike.

A projectile from a US-Israeli strike hit near the Bushehr nuclear power plant in southern Iran on Saturday, killing one person, state media reported. Iran’s official news agency IRNA said, “Following the US-Zionist criminal attacks, this Saturday morning, around 8:30 am, a projectile hit the area near the Bushehr nuclear power plant in the southwest.” It added that one of the building’s guards was killed but that there was no damage to the nuclear plant’s facilities. The Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran also confirmed in a social media post that the airstrike damaged a support building. Also Read: Downgrade from ‘regime change’ to ‘find our pilots’: Iran’s speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf mocks US over downed jet It said in a post on X, “This morning, a projectile struck near the fence of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. One of the auxiliary buildings was damaged, and unfortunately, one of the physical security staff was martyred. This is the fourth attack on the Bushehr power plant in the recent imposed war. The main sections of the power plant have not been damaged.” Iran also informed the IAEA that a projectile struck close to the premises of the Bushehr NPP and that a building on site was affected by shockwaves and fragments. No increase in radiation levels was reported, it added. ‘Radioactive fallout will end life in GCC capitals, not Tehran’ Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticised a lack of concern for the safety of the Bushehr facility and warned that any “radioactive fallout” will end life in GCC capitals, not Tehran. Also Read: ‘Capture US pilot alive, get reward,’ says Iranian media after Tehran claims it downed F-15E Araghchi said in a post on X, “Remember the Western outrage about hostilities near Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine? Israel-US have bombed our Bushehr plant four times now. Radioactive fallout will end life in GCC capitals, not Tehran.” Director General of the nuclear watchdog IAEA, Rafael Grossi, expressed deep concern about the incident and said, “NPP sites or nearby areas must never be attacked,” noting that auxiliary site buildings may contain vital safety equipment. Grossi reiterated his call for maximum military restraint to avoid the risk of a nuclear accident and stressed the paramount importance of adhering to the 7 pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security during a conflict. Also Read: Ship carrying Iranian crude to Indian port in Gujarat reroutes to China The Bushehr nuclear power plant uses low-enriched uranium from Russia, along with Russian technicians, to supply about 1,000 megawatts of power for Iran. It can power hundreds of thousands of Iranian homes and other businesses and industries, but it contributes only 1% to 2% of total power needs. Iran has been trying to expand the facility, and in 2019, it began a project to add two additional reactors. US-Israeli strikes hit petrochemical plants US and Israeli strikes on Saturday also hit several petrochemical plants in the southern Khuzestan region, an important energy hub, according to Iranian media. Explosions were heard, and smoke was seen rising after missiles hit several locations across the Mahshahr Petrochemical Special Economic Zone. Also Read: Iran jolts Pak’s ambition to broker peace, says American demands unacceptable; unwilling to meet: Report The state-run Bandar Imam petrochemical complex, which produces chemicals, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), polymers, and a range of other products, was struck and sustained damage, Iran’s Mehr news agency reported. A provincial governor in Khuzestan added that the Fajr 1 and 2 petrochemical companies, as well as other nearby facilities, were also hit, according to the Fars news agency. Meanwhile, a cement plant in southern Iran was also hit on Saturday, but there were no casualties, said Tasnim news agency, quoting Ahmad Nafisi, the deputy governor of the southern Hormozgan province.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticised a lack of concern for the safety of the Bushehr facility and warned that any radioactive fallout will end life in GCC capitals, not Tehran. Director General of nuclear watchdog IAEA, Rafael Grossi, also expressed deep concern over the strike.

Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant, petrochemical units and cement plant hit in fresh wave of strikes

Rosatom, a Russian oil giant, on Wednesday said that it is preparing the final phases of the major evacuation of its employees from Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant in the coming days. While a group of approximately 50 volunteers will be left behind to keep the plant operational. The Bushehr plant is the only remaining operational nuclear power plant with a gross capacity of 1,000 megawatts. At the moment, it has 72 metric tons of nuclear fuel and 210 metric tons of spent fuel&nbsp;“The situation at Bushehr is not calming down. We are detecting explosions literally just hundreds of meters, 700 to 900 meters away from the residential settlement. It is clear that the conflict is escalating, and naturally, this is a source of grave concern. We are preparing for a final, major wave of evacuations this week; more than 200 people are scheduled to depart from the Bushehr site,” said Alexei Likhachev, head of Rosatom.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mohamad-safa-un-resignation-nuclear-threat-iran-allegations-1774872383427">‘Nuclear winter’ warning: UN diplomat steps down, cites safety concerns</a>According to the IAEA, as of April 2, the Bushehr plant has been struck at least 3 times. The first strike was on March 17-18, when a projectile hit a structure around 350 metres away from the nuclear reactors. The structure has been decimated, but the reactor had no damage to it. Subsequent strikes were reported on March 24 and March 28. Despite the near misses, Russian authorities have begun the evacuation of their staff. More than 400 have left already in the previous waves of evacuation. The construction of Units 2 and 3 has been suspended.&nbsp;“It seems to me that around 50 people will be sufficient to maintain operations during this pause, ensuring the functionality of construction equipment as well as the basic upkeep of the construction camp and its support facilities. We will not be withdrawing from the site entirely,” said Alexei Likhachev. “Only volunteers will remain there, including members of our security team. Such is the nature of this work; however, a nuclear facility simply cannot be left completely unattended.”&nbsp;

Rosatom begins final evacuation of staff from Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant after repeated strikes. Around 50 volunteers remain to maintain operations.

Rosatom, a Russian oil giant, on Wednesday said that it is preparing the final phases of the major evacuation of its employees from Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant in the coming days. While a group of approximately 50 volunteers will be left behind to keep the plant operational. The Bushehr plant is the only remaining operational nuclear power plant with a gross capacity of 1,000 megawatts. At the moment, it has 72 metric tons of nuclear fuel and 210 metric tons of spent fuel “The situation at Bushehr is not calming down. We are detecting explosions literally just hundreds of meters, 700 to 900 meters away from the residential settlement. It is clear that the conflict is escalating, and naturally, this is a source of grave concern. We are preparing for a final, major wave of evacuations this week; more than 200 people are scheduled to depart from the Bushehr site,” said Alexei Likhachev, head of Rosatom. Also Read: ‘Nuclear winter’ warning: UN diplomat steps down, cites safety concerns According to the IAEA, as of April 2, the Bushehr plant has been struck at least 3 times. The first strike was on March 17-18, when a projectile hit a structure around 350 metres away from the nuclear reactors. The structure has been decimated, but the reactor had no damage to it. Subsequent strikes were reported on March 24 and March 28. Despite the near misses, Russian authorities have begun the evacuation of their staff. More than 400 have left already in the previous waves of evacuation. The construction of Units 2 and 3 has been suspended. “It seems to me that around 50 people will be sufficient to maintain operations during this pause, ensuring the functionality of construction equipment as well as the basic upkeep of the construction camp and its support facilities. We will not be withdrawing from the site entirely,” said Alexei Likhachev. “Only volunteers will remain there, including members of our security team. Such is the nature of this work; however, a nuclear facility simply cannot be left completely unattended.”

Rosatom begins final evacuation of staff from Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant after repeated strikes. Around 50 volunteers remain to maintain operations.

Rosatom begins final evacuation at Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant

In the midst of the ongoing US‑Iran war, **Donald Trump has sharply criticised NATO allies for not backing U.S. efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route. Trump warned the alliance faces a “very bad future” if members refuse to support military action in the critical waterway, sparking debate over transatlantic unity and U.S. leadership.


Iran Claims Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant Struck For Third Time

In the ongoing US‑Iran war, Iran says its Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant has been struck for the third time in about ten days, with a projectile landing inside the facility’s compound amid U.S.‑Israeli air operations targeting Iranian infrastructure. Although Iran claims the attack violated international law, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says there has been no detected damage or radiation leak so far.


US-Iran War: Iran Claims Bushehr Nuclear Plant Struck for Third Time 

A projectile struck Iran’s only operational nuclear power plant this week, according to the UN's nuclear watchdog on Wednesday. Taking to social media, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said that they have been "informed by Iran that a projectile hit the premises of the Bushehr NPP on Tuesday evening". The strike on Tehran’s Bushehr nuclear plant, which is located on the shores of the Persian Gulf, comes as the war between the United States, Israel and Iran continues for the 19th day. Is the nuclear plant damaged? Is the region on the brink of a Chornobyl-style radiological and environmental disaster that could render the Persian Gulf uninhabitable? All you need to know.<h2>How Close Did the Projectile Get to the Bushehr Nuclear Core?</h2>In a terrifying escalation of the regional war, the IAEA has confirmed that a projectile hit the premises of Iran's only operational nuclear reactor at Bushehr. Russia’s Tass news agency, citing Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev, reported that the strike “hit the area adjacent to the metrology service building located at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant site." This, he said, was "in close proximity to the operating power unit.”Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-we-re-watching-from-above-amid-ai-and-death-rumours-netanyahu-emerges-in-war-room-to-prove-he-s-alive-after-eliminating-larijani-soleimani-1773789460421">Real or deepfake? Netanyahu mocks death rumours with Kirya war room video after wiping out Iran's top 'terror chieftains'</a>While no damage to the plant or injuries to the staff had been reported, the Vienna-based agency warned that the strike "violates the seven indispensable pillars related to ensuring nuclear safety and security during an armed conflict". Agency head Rafael Grossi reiterated "his call for restraint during the conflict to avoid any risk of a nuclear accident.""Although there was no damage to the reactor itself nor injuries to staff, any attack at or near nuclear power plants violates the seven indispensable pillars related to ensuring nuclear safety and security during an armed conflict and should never take place," read the statement.Russia, meanwhile, has erupted in fury, accusing Israel and the United States of a "wholly unacceptable" strike.<h2>Why is Russia Warning of a 'Radiological Disaster' in the Persian Gulf?</h2>Russia, which helped build the nuclear plant in Bushehr and had staff on the site, confirmed reports of a missile strike on the NPP's inner perimeter. Calling the attack "completely unacceptable," Moscow said that the US and Israel "must refrain from reckless attacks on nuclear infrastructure".Speaking during a weekly briefing, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted that attacks on nuclear infrastructure "pose a real risk of a regional-scale radiological and environmental disaster". She added that her country has repeatedly warned Washington and Tel Aviv against "threatening the lives" of Russian personnel working at the plant.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-a-moment-of-silence-for-the-0-07-internet-reacts-as-kim-jong-un-s-perfect-election-marred-by-rare-dissent-north-korea-1773819815156">'A moment of silence for the 0.07%': Internet reacts as Kim Jong Un’s ‘perfect’ election marred by rare dissent</a><h2>Are the US and Israel Targeting Iranian Nuclear Sites?</h2>This was the first confirmed attack on a nuclear power plant during the course of the current United States-Israel large-scale military conflict with Iran.However, it must be noted that in June 2025, during the war that came to be known as the Twelve-Day War, Washington's Operation Midnight Hammer used B-2 stealth bombers to drop GBU-57 "bunker buster" bombs to target Iranian nuclear sites. The massive airstrikes led to significant damage at four Iranian nuclear sites. Natanz had been effectively obliterated, and the heavily fortified Fordow facility, which is buried deep underground, sustained major, potentially catastrophic structural damage. In Isfahan, the Nuclear Technology Centre was heavily damaged, while the heavy-water reactor at Arak was similarly crippled.The Bushehr plant, located in southwestern Iran, is the country’s only functioning nuclear power reactor. It was connected to the national grid in 2011 and remains central to Iran’s civilian nuclear programme.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Missile strikes Iran’s only operational nuclear plant, triggering fears of a radiological disaster. IAEA confirmed that a projectile hit the premises of Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, raising alarm on Day 19 of Iran war. Was the reactor damaged? how serious is the risk? Scroll down to find out.

A projectile struck Iran’s only operational nuclear power plant this week, according to the UN's nuclear watchdog on Wednesday. Taking to social media, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said that they have been "informed by Iran that a projectile hit the premises of the Bushehr NPP on Tuesday evening". The strike on Tehran’s Bushehr nuclear plant, which is located on the shores of the Persian Gulf, comes as the war between the United States, Israel and Iran continues for the 19th day. Is the nuclear plant damaged? Is the region on the brink of a Chornobyl-style radiological and environmental disaster that could render the Persian Gulf uninhabitable? All you need to know. How Close Did the Projectile Get to the Bushehr Nuclear Core? In a terrifying escalation of the regional war, the IAEA has confirmed that a projectile hit the premises of Iran's only operational nuclear reactor at Bushehr. Russia’s Tass news agency, citing Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev, reported that the strike “hit the area adjacent to the metrology service building located at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant site." This, he said, was "in close proximity to the operating power unit.” Also read | Real or deepfake? Netanyahu mocks death rumours with Kirya war room video after wiping out Iran's top 'terror chieftains' While no damage to the plant or injuries to the staff had been reported, the Vienna-based agency warned that the strike "violates the seven indispensable pillars related to ensuring nuclear safety and security during an armed conflict". Agency head Rafael Grossi reiterated "his call for restraint during the conflict to avoid any risk of a nuclear accident." "Although there was no damage to the reactor itself nor injuries to staff, any attack at or near nuclear power plants violates the seven indispensable pillars related to ensuring nuclear safety and security during an armed conflict and should never take place," read the statement. Russia, meanwhile, has erupted in fury, accusing Israel and the United States of a "wholly unacceptable" strike. Why is Russia Warning of a 'Radiological Disaster' in the Persian Gulf? Russia, which helped build the nuclear plant in Bushehr and had staff on the site, confirmed reports of a missile strike on the NPP's inner perimeter. Calling the attack "completely unacceptable," Moscow said that the US and Israel "must refrain from reckless attacks on nuclear infrastructure". Speaking during a weekly briefing, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted that attacks on nuclear infrastructure "pose a real risk of a regional-scale radiological and environmental disaster". She added that her country has repeatedly warned Washington and Tel Aviv against "threatening the lives" of Russian personnel working at the plant. Also read | 'A moment of silence for the 0.07%': Internet reacts as Kim Jong Un’s ‘perfect’ election marred by rare dissent Are the US and Israel Targeting Iranian Nuclear Sites? This was the first confirmed attack on a nuclear power plant during the course of the current United States-Israel large-scale military conflict with Iran. However, it must be noted that in June 2025, during the war that came to be known as the Twelve-Day War, Washington's Operation Midnight Hammer used B-2 stealth bombers to drop GBU-57 "bunker buster" bombs to target Iranian nuclear sites. The massive airstrikes led to significant damage at four Iranian nuclear sites. Natanz had been effectively obliterated, and the heavily fortified Fordow facility, which is buried deep underground, sustained major, potentially catastrophic structural damage. In Isfahan, the Nuclear Technology Centre was heavily damaged, while the heavy-water reactor at Arak was similarly crippled. The Bushehr plant, located in southwestern Iran, is the country’s only functioning nuclear power reactor. It was connected to the national grid in 2011 and remains central to Iran’s civilian nuclear programme. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Missile strikes Iran’s only operational nuclear plant, triggering fears of a radiological disaster. IAEA confirmed that a projectile hit the premises of Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, raising alarm on Day 19 of Iran war. Was the reactor damaged? how serious is the risk? Scroll down to find out.

Chernobyl in the Gulf: US-Israel missile hits Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant. World at risk of 'regional-scale radiological disaster'?