Fact Check: The IAEA reported no increase in off-site radiation at either the Natanz or Isfahan nuclear facilities following the strikes as of October 2023.

Fact Check: "The IAEA reported no increase in off-site radiation at either the Natanz or Isfahan nuclear facilities following the strikes as of October 2023."

What We Know

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that there has been "no increase in off-site radiation" at both the Natanz and Isfahan nuclear facilities following military strikes in October 2023. This information was reiterated by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi during a statement to the UN Security Council, where he noted that the Iranian authorities had reported no elevated radiation levels at these sites (IAEA Statement). Additionally, satellite imagery analysis indicated that while there was significant damage to the facilities, particularly to the pilot fuel enrichment plant at Natanz, there was no indication of a physical attack on the underground components of the facility (BBC).

Analysis

The claim that the IAEA reported no increase in off-site radiation is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The IAEA's own statements confirm that Iranian authorities informed them of no changes in radiation levels at both Natanz and Isfahan (IAEA Statement, Reuters). This assertion is critical, as it suggests that despite the military operations, there has not been a release of radioactive materials that could pose a risk to public health or the environment.

The reliability of the IAEA as a source is high, given its mandate to monitor nuclear safety and security globally. The agency operates under strict protocols and has a history of providing accurate assessments in similar situations. The satellite imagery provided by Maxar Technologies, which corroborated the IAEA's findings, adds an additional layer of credibility to the claim. The analysis of these images showed visible damage to the facilities but confirmed the absence of any radiation leaks (BBC).

While there are reports of damage to critical buildings at Isfahan, including a uranium conversion facility, the IAEA's assurance that there has been no increase in off-site radiation levels is a significant factor in evaluating the overall safety of the situation (US News). The consensus among these sources points to a controlled situation regarding radiation levels, despite the military actions.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "the IAEA reported no increase in off-site radiation at either the Natanz or Isfahan nuclear facilities following the strikes as of October 2023" is true. The IAEA has explicitly stated that there has been no increase in radiation levels at these sites, and this information is supported by satellite imagery and reports from Iranian authorities. The reliability of the IAEA and the corroborating evidence from satellite analysis further validate this claim.

Sources

1. Satellite imagery reveals damage to key Iran nuclear sites - BBC
2. IAEA says no damage seen at Iran's Fordow or Khondab - Reuters
3. Statement on the Situation in Iran - IAEA
4. International Atomic Energy Agency | Atoms for Peace and Development
5. Overview | IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency
6. IAEA Says Iran Finds No Radiation Increase at Isfahan - US News
7. 国际原子能机构 | 原子用于和平与发展
8. Iran notifies IAEA of no change in off-site radiation levels - TASS