US-Israeli strike hits near Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant, second in a week

A US-Israeli airstrike targeted the area near Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant Tuesday evening, marking the second such attack on the vicinity of the critical facility in recent days. The strike was confirmed by Iran's state news agency IRNA.

Projectile strikes nuclear area

Citing Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, IRNA reported that a projectile struck near the nuclear facility in the southern city of Bushehr at approximately 9:08 p.m. local time (17:38 GMT). The agency characterized the attack as part of ongoing "hostile actions" by the US and Israel. Initial reports indicated no casualties or damage, with all sections of the nuclear facility remaining intact.

Second strike near plant

The attack follows a similar incident on March 17, which also caused no damage or injuries. The repeated targeting of the Bushehr area has raised international concern, as the facility is Iran's sole nuclear power plant and was constructed with Russian assistance. Russia has previously warned that strikes on nuclear facilities could have "irreversible consequences" for the entire region.

Escalating conflict

The strikes come amid the ongoing US-Israeli offensive against Iran launched Feb. 28, which has killed more than 1,340 people, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Tehran has retaliated with sustained drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. The proximity of Tuesday's strike to a nuclear facility marks a dangerous escalation in the conflict, now in its fifth week.