Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Plant Hit by Projectile for Third Time
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TEHRAN, Iran — The Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant was struck by a projectile early Friday, marking the third such incident at the facility, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran announced.
The attack occurred at 2:16 a.m. local time on March 28, 2026. Officials stated the projectile impacted the plant's perimeter but did not breach the reactor containment structure. Emergency protocols were activated immediately, and the reactor was placed in a safe shutdown mode as a precautionary measure. No radiation leaks were reported, and plant workers were evacuated to designated safety zones.
The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran attributed the strike to ongoing unprovoked American-Israeli aggression, describing the incident as part of a sustained campaign against Iranian nuclear infrastructure. Iranian officials condemned the attack as a violation of international law and a threat to regional stability.
U.S. and Israeli officials have not publicly commented on the incident. Neither Washington nor Jerusalem has claimed responsibility for the strike. The lack of immediate attribution has left the circumstances surrounding the attack unclear.
The Bushehr plant, located on the Persian Gulf coast, is Iran's only operational nuclear power facility. It has been a focal point of regional tensions for years, with repeated warnings from Western powers about Iran's nuclear program. Previous strikes on the plant occurred in early 2025 and late 2025, each resulting in temporary shutdowns but no major casualties or environmental damage.
Iranian authorities have called for an international investigation into the attack. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has not yet issued a statement regarding the incident. The IAEA is expected to deploy inspectors to the site to assess the damage and verify the safety of the facility.
Regional tensions have escalated in recent months, with increased military activity in the Persian Gulf and heightened rhetoric between Tehran and Western powers. The attack on Bushehr is likely to further strain diplomatic relations and raise concerns about the potential for broader conflict.
Questions remain about the origin of the projectile and the intent behind the strike. Analysts are monitoring the situation closely, with fears that the incident could trigger retaliatory measures from Iran or its allies. The international community is urging restraint and calling for dialogue to prevent further escalation.
As of Friday morning, the plant remained offline, with no timeline provided for its resumption of operations. Iranian officials have promised a full investigation and vowed to hold those responsible accountable. The situation continues to develop.