Fact Check: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expressed concern over the Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities following the attacks on June 13, 2023.

Fact Check: "The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expressed concern over the Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities following the attacks on June 13, 2023."

What We Know

On June 13, 2023, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was informed of military operations launched by Israel, which included attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi reported that the agency had been in continuous contact with the Iranian Nuclear Regulatory Authority to assess the situation and the status of nuclear facilities, particularly the Natanz Fuel Enrichment Plant, which suffered significant damage during the strikes (IAEA Statement). Grossi emphasized that these developments were "deeply concerning" and reiterated that nuclear facilities should never be attacked, as such actions pose risks to both people and the environment (IAEA Statement).

The IAEA's statement highlighted that the attacks could have serious implications for nuclear safety and security, as well as regional and international peace (IAEA Statement). The agency also noted that while there was no immediate radiological impact on the surrounding population, there was contamination within the facilities due to the attacks (IAEA Statement).

Analysis

The claim that the IAEA expressed concern over Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities is substantiated by the statements made by Director General Grossi. His remarks explicitly state that the IAEA is "deeply concerned" about the military actions against nuclear facilities, which aligns directly with the claim being evaluated. Furthermore, the IAEA has a long-standing mandate to oversee nuclear safety and security, making its concerns particularly relevant in this context (IAEA Statement).

The reliability of the IAEA as a source is high, given its role as an international organization tasked with promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy and preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons. The agency's statements are typically grounded in factual assessments and are informed by ongoing monitoring of nuclear facilities (IAEA Statement).

Contradictory sources, such as reports from various news outlets, confirm the occurrence of the strikes and the damage inflicted on Iranian nuclear sites, but do not dispute the IAEA's expressed concerns (CNN, Critical Threats Project). Therefore, the evidence supports the claim that the IAEA has indeed expressed concern regarding the Israeli military actions.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that the IAEA expressed concern over Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities following the attacks on June 13, 2023, is true. The IAEA's Director General explicitly stated the agency's concerns regarding the implications of military actions on nuclear safety and security, confirming the accuracy of the claim.

Sources

1. Director General Grossi's Statement to UNSC on Situation ...
2. Iran strikes back at Israel with missiles over Jerusalem, Tel ...
3. Israeli Strikes on Iran, June 13, 2025, 2:00 PM ET
4. Israel hits Iran's nuclear program and military leadership ...
5. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation
6. Israel attacked three key Iranian nuclear facilities. Did it ...
7. What is behind Israel's decision to attack Iran?
8. Atomic Energy Chief Condemns Israel's Bombing of Iran