‘War Crime’: Iran condemns attacks on Arak, Ardakan nuclear sites

Iran has condemned attacks on its nuclear facilities under the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), calling such strikes a “war crime.”

The warning from the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) on Wednesday comes days after a military assault as part of the US-Israeli terrorist war on the Islamic Republic on two nuclear sites in Arak and Ardakan.

Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesman for the AEOI, said that attacking nuclear facilities under IAEA oversight is inconsistent with international principles and constitutes an international offense, even against a heavy water complex.

The Khondab heavy water complex in Arak was targeted for a second time, following an earlier attack during the 12-day war last June. On the same day, Iranian authorities reported that a yellowcake production facility in Ardakan, in the central province of Yazd, was also struck.

“Attacking nuclear facilities that are under IAEA safeguards is totally inconsistent with international principles and such an international offense, even against a heavy water complex, is definitely a war crime,” Kamalvandi stressed.

Kamalvandi said Iran has legally documented the incidents and is consulting both domestic and international legal experts. He said the matter would be pursued through the country’s Foreign Ministry and the office of the vice president for legal affairs.

He also stressed that despite these attacks, Iran’s nuclear knowledge and capabilities cannot be destroyed. “The enemy will definitely fail to obliterate Iran’s nuclear knowledge through these attacks.”

Iran has repeatedly stated that its nuclear program is peaceful and conducted under strict international supervision. The country maintains that any strike on safeguarded nuclear sites is a violation of international law, undermining global agreements on nuclear safety and protection.

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