This handout satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies and taken on February 14, 2025, shows new nucleaar reactors under construction at the Bushehr nuclear power plant, 1,200 kilometers (750 miles) south of Tehran. (Satellite image ©2021 Maxar Technologies/AFP)
Russia has repeatedly warned Israel in recent weeks that its airstrikes near Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant could trigger a “major nuclear disaster,” according to reports by Israel’s Channel 12.
Moscow officials said the strikes endangered Russian experts and civilians stationed at the facility, which Russia helped build and continues to support. The warnings also highlighted growing concerns about potential damage to Russia-Israel relations.
Following the warnings, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reportedly adjusted their operational procedures in the area, saying that they had been unaware of the risks to Russian personnel and had no intention of causing harm.
The Russian Foreign Ministry and its embassy in Israel issued multiple alerts to Israeli authorities, stressing the dangers of conducting strikes near the nuclear site. One incident reportedly saw a strike land “very close” to Russian workers.
“You are placing our people in danger,” a Kremlin official reportedly told an Israeli counterpart. “This is a dangerous game that could lead to a major nuclear disaster with serious consequences for the Middle East.”
Israel responded by acknowledging the concerns and reiterating that it had modified its approach to avoid further risk.
Both Israel and the United States have reportedly targeted Iranian military assets in the vicinity of Bushehr in recent weeks.
An April 4 strike near the plant killed an Iranian guard, raising alarm among international observers.
Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), confirmed that no increase in radiation levels had been detected but expressed “deep concern,” noting that the strike marked the fourth such incident near the facility in a short period.
Amid escalating tensions, Russia has begun scaling back its presence at the site. Alexei Likhachev, head of Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom, said nearly all personnel had been withdrawn, leaving only a small team of about 20 workers to monitor operations.
Bushehr, located roughly 750 miles (1,207 kilometers) south of Tehran, remains a sensitive strategic site, with Russia currently involved in constructing two additional nuclear reactors there.
Russia had already initiated a phased evacuation of about 600 personnel in March and early April, even before the recent ceasefire efforts, citing safety concerns over repeated strikes near the plant.
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Russia, Israel, Iran, Bushehr nuclear plant, Middle East tensions, airstrikes, nuclear safety, Rosatom, IAEA, Rafael Grossi, US-Israel conflict, breaking news
