Iran’s nuclear chief accuses U.S. and Israel of striking irradiation centers, warning of risks to public health and food security

Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, accused the United States and Israel of deliberately attacking Iranian nuclear, industrial and irradiation facilities, warning that damage to sites containing radioactive sources could endanger public health, food security and the environment. He described the strikes as a war crime at a conference in Tehran on Sunday, October 11.

Speaking at the “Ecocide: The Silent War Crime” international conference, Eslami said irradiation centers serving civilian health-care and food-safety needs were among the sites hit, along with refineries, petrochemical complexes and research facilities. He criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency for not condemning attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Eslami also accused Washington of applying a double standard by expanding its own nuclear technology while seeking to restrict Iran’s program. He said Iran would continue developing peaceful nuclear technology despite international pressure. Iran suspended cooperation with the IAEA under legislation passed after U.S. and Israeli attacks on its nuclear facilities.

In June 2026, the IAEA Board of Governors found Iran in non-compliance with its safeguards obligations; in September, the board voted to report the matter to the UN Security Council.