IAEA Says Iran Heavy Water Plant Not Operational
Iran’s heavy water production plant at Khondab is no longer operational after suffering severe damage in a recent strike, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency. The development has drawn attention because the site is linked to Iran’s heavy water programme, though the agency said there was no radiological risk from the damage.
IAEA Says Khondab Plant Is Not Operational
The UN nuclear watchdog said the Khondab heavy water production plant had sustained severe damage and is no longer functioning. The update followed assessments after the March 27 strike on the site. The IAEA clarified that the facility did not contain any declared nuclear material at the time, which means the damage did not create a radiation hazard.
Khondab Site Linked To Iran Nuclear Programme
Khondab has long been watched because of its connection to Iran’s heavy water activities. Heavy water can be used in reactors designed for research and other nuclear purposes, and such facilities often attract international scrutiny because of their strategic importance. The latest damage therefore adds to concerns over the growing toll of strikes on Iran’s sensitive infrastructure.
No Radiation Risk Reported After Strike
Despite the seriousness of the damage, the IAEA said there was no danger of radiological effects from the attack. That distinction is significant because it separates physical destruction at the site from any immediate public nuclear safety threat. The incident nevertheless marks another escalation involving critical facilities in Iran as the wider regional conflict continues to intensify.
