Riyadh, June 21 (V7N) – The Saudi Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission (NRRC) has condemned military strikes on civilian nuclear facilities, calling such actions a violation of international law. The statement came in response to Israeli attacks on multiple nuclear sites in Iran, including a significant strike on Thursday targeting the Khondab Heavy Water Research Reactor.

According to a live update from Al Jazeera, Israeli forces have been targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure since the latest round of hostilities began over a week ago. These attacks mark a concerning escalation in the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict and have raised alarm across the region.

Saudi Arabia’s Stance on Nuclear Safety and International Norms

Saudi Arabia, a leading power in the Middle East, has reiterated that the targeting of nuclear facilities—regardless of the political or military context—poses unacceptable risks to human life, environmental safety, and regional stability. In its official statement, the NRRC emphasized:

“Attacks on civilian nuclear facilities are not only a grave breach of international humanitarian law, but also threaten widespread radioactive contamination that can impact neighboring countries and the global environment.”

The Kingdom has called on the international community and the United Nations to take immediate action to prevent further violations and ensure the protection of nuclear infrastructure under international treaties, including the Geneva Conventions and the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM).

Targeting of Khondab Reactor Draws Special Concern

The Khondab Heavy Water Research Reactor, one of Iran’s key nuclear sites used for isotope production and scientific research, came under direct attack on Thursday. Though Iranian authorities have not confirmed the extent of the damage, analysts warn that such strikes could undermine nuclear safety protocols and potentially lead to long-term environmental hazards.

Iranian officials have yet to publicly detail casualties or structural damage, but security analysts suggest that precision-guided munitions were used in the strike, intended to disable specific components of the reactor’s external systems.

Broader Regional and Global Reactions

This latest development comes amid already heightened tensions in the Middle East, with both Iran and Israel engaged in military operations across multiple fronts, including Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon. The United States and European Union have expressed concern over the escalation and the potential for spillover effects, particularly involving nuclear risks.

International law experts and non-proliferation advocates have urged both parties to adhere strictly to the principles of nuclear safety and the protection of civilian infrastructure during armed conflict.

Conclusion

As military confrontations intensify in the region, Saudi Arabia's strong condemnation of attacks on nuclear sites underscores growing international anxiety over the weaponization of civilian nuclear facilities. The global community now faces urgent questions about how to prevent further escalation while upholding international norms and ensuring the security of sensitive infrastructure.

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