The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed today on social media that the heavy water production plant at Khondab, which Iran reported had been attacked on March 27, sustained serious damage and is no longer operational. “The facility contains no declared nuclear material,” the IAEA said in a post on X, adding that the analysis was carried out independently, based on satellite imagery and knowledge of the facilities.
Also read: Israeli attacks hit an Iranian reactor under construction and a plant, says Agency
Although the agency downplayed the risk, experts have warned in recent days about the possibility that winds carrying radioactive fallout could transport dangerous substances toward Tehran, following the attacks on the Khondab reactor and the Bushehr nuclear plant.
Heavy water is about 10% denser than regular water due to its composition, including a heavier hydrogen isotope. It can be used to slow neutrons in nuclear reactors, as a basis for producing a radioactive hydrogen isotope known as tritium, and for other scientific purposes.
(With Estadão Conteúdo)
