US Missile Attack on Darkhovin Nuclear Power Plant; Atomic Energy Organization Statement

Details of the Sunday Morning Attack on the Darkhovin Site According to the official statement of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, the attack occurred around 3:39 AM local time on Sunday, July 19, 2026 [1]. Reports indicate that several projectiles were fired by US forces toward the site of the Darkhovin power plant under construction in Khuzestan province [2]. This facility, located near the Karun River, is considered one of the key projects and symbols of Iran's scientific self-sufficiency in the field of nuclear energy [3].

Reaction of the Atomic Energy Organization and Anadolu Agency Anadolu Agency, citing the official statement of the Atomic Energy Organization, reported that this attack is a clear violation of international law and the safeguards regulations of the International Atomic Energy Agency [1]. The statement emphasized that the Darkhovin plant was fully under the supervision and safeguards of the Agency, and its activities were within the framework of the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement and entirely peaceful [1]. Tehran officials described the action as "barbaric and aggressive" and called on the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency to condemn the attack on the safeguarded facility based on the organization's statute [3].

Strategic Importance of the Darkhovin Nuclear Power Plant The Darkhovin plant, with a planned capacity of 360 megawatts, is known as the first indigenous nuclear power plant designed by Iranian specialists [4]. Construction operations for this plant began in earnest in December 2022 after years of hiatus and were scheduled to enter the country's power grid by 2030 according to plans [4]. The targeting of this site comes as Iran pursues an extensive program to produce 20 gigawatts of nuclear electricity by 2042 [4].

Escalation of Regional Tensions and Violation of Memorandums This attack occurred at a sensitive time amidst rising tensions in the Persian Gulf. Despite the signing of a peace memorandum in June 2026 mediated by Pakistan to end the conflicts, the exchange of fire between Washington and Tehran has intensified in recent days [1]. Concurrent with this attack, reports of maritime incidents in the Strait of Hormuz and counter-attacks on military bases in the region have been published, indicating the fragility of recent diplomatic agreements and the possibility of the war's dimensions expanding [2]. The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran emphasized at the end of its statement that these attacks will not create any disruption in the country's nuclear industry plans [1].