The head of Russia’s nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom, warned that an Israeli attack on Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant could trigger a “Chernobyl-style catastrophe.”
An Israeli military spokesperson initially claimed a strike on Bushehr, Iran’s only operating nuclear power plant, built by Russia. However, a military official later retracted the statement, calling it “a mistake” and refusing to confirm or deny an attack on the Gulf Coast facility. The uncertainty has heightened concerns about the plant’s safety.
Alexei Likhachev, head of Rosatom, emphasised the catastrophic risks of an attack on Bushehr’s operational unit, comparing it to the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, the world’s worst nuclear accident. “If there is a strike on the operational first power unit, it will be a catastrophe,” Likhachev told RIA. He described such an attack as “beyond… evil.”
Rosatom chief Alexey Likhachev warned an Israeli strike on Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant could trigger a 'Chernobyl-style catastrophe'
Israel initially claimed it hit the site — then called that 'a mistake' and now won’t confirm or deny the strike#SPIEF pic.twitter.com/osDxnwJoQZ
— RT (@RT_com) June 19, 2025Russia has evacuated some specialists from Bushehr but retains a core workforce of hundreds, as President Vladimir Putin confirmed. Likhachev added, “We are prepared for any scenario, including the rapid evacuation of all our employees.”
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova condemned attacks on civilian nuclear facilities as “unacceptable and illegal,” expressing concern for Russian workers at Bushehr. She warned the U.S. against military intervention, calling it “an extremely dangerous step with unpredictable consequences.”
Read: US Prepares for Potential Strike on Iran in Coming Days, Bloomberg Reports
Putin, addressing journalists, noted Israel’s assurance that Russian workers would remain safe, despite its efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear capabilities. He advocated for a diplomatic resolution, balancing Russia’s strategic ties with both Iran and Israel.
