Bangladesh Enters Global Nuclear Family via Rooppur Project Bangladesh has taken a significant step toward integrating into the global nuclear energy community through its Rooppur nuclear power plant project, as highlighted by Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam during the ATLAS 2026 conference in Washington, D.C. The minister emphasized the critical role of nuclear energy in addressing climate change, ensuring energy security, and driving sustainable economic growth. His remarks underscored Bangladesh’s commitment to leveraging nuclear technology responsibly while prioritizing safety, security, and international collaboration. The ATLAS 2026 conference, organized by the U.S. Department of Energy and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), brought together representatives from 19 countries, including Bangladesh, to discuss advancements in nuclear technology and its applications. Minister Anam’s participation marked Bangladesh’s first ministerial-level engagement with the event, which focuses on the peaceful use of nuclear energy. During his address, he highlighted the nation’s alignment with global efforts to combat climate change and secure reliable energy sources amid rising demand. Anam emphasized that Bangladesh, a densely populated country with limited domestic energy resources, faces unique challenges in meeting its growing energy needs while mitigating environmental impacts. He argued that nuclear energy offers a viable solution to balance these demands, providing a stable and low-carbon energy supply. The minister also called for the adoption of advanced nuclear technologies, such as small modular reactors (SMRs), to enhance energy security and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.#iaea #bangladesh #fakir_mahbub_anam #atlas_2026 #rooppur_project
Iranian missile strikes on Jordan’s Aqaba Airport and retaliatory U.S. airstrikes escalate regional tensions An Iranian missile struck Jordan’s Aqaba Airport on July 19, 2026, with the impact visible from Eilat, Israel, according to Israeli media. The Israeli military confirmed it had identified missiles launched from Iran toward Aqaba, a city adjacent to Israeli territory, and warned of potential spillover into southern Israel. Jordan’s government denied earlier reports of evacuating the airport and seaport due to a threat, stating no credible risks were detected. The U.S. military responded with airstrikes against Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, citing the attack in Jordan that killed two American service members, left one missing, and injured four others. The strikes aimed to degrade Iran’s ability to control oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy supplies. Iran retaliated by targeting two U.S. bases in Kuwait, claiming the attacks were in response to weeks of escalating strikes, including strikes on an airport, railway station, and bridges. Jordan’s armed forces reported shooting down three Iranian missiles targeting the kingdom, with a fourth landing in a remote area. No casualties or material damage were reported. Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Iran’s charge d’affaires in Amman, condemning “unjustified and blatant Iranian attacks” and “provocative statements targeting the Kingdom’s territory.” Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization accused the U.S. of attacking its under-construction Darkhovin nuclear power plant in the southwest, though the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated it was investigating the claims. The IAEA noted the facility was in its early stages of construction and contained no nuclear material during its last inspection.#iran #united_states #strait_of_hormuz #iaea #jordan
Iran accuses the United States and Israel of attacking its Natanz nuclear facility, according to the country’s atomic energy organization. The statement, released via Tasnim news agency, claims the facility was targeted “this morning” following “criminal attacks” by the U.S. and Israel. The organization emphasized that no radioactive materials were leaked from the Shahid Ahmadi Roshan enrichment site, located about 220 kilometers southeast of Tehran. Officials confirmed there is no danger to nearby residents, as no radiation levels outside the facility were reported. The Natanz site, one of Iran’s most critical uranium enrichment centers, was previously attacked during a 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel in June 2025. Al Jazeera’s Mohamed Vall noted that the Iranian nuclear organization’s statement did not specify the method or type of weapons used in Saturday’s strike. He highlighted the strategic importance of Natanz, alongside Isfahan’s nuclear facilities, as a key target for the U.S. and Israel to disrupt Iran’s nuclear program. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed Iran had informed it about the U.S.-Israel attack, with the UN nuclear watchdog stating no increase in off-site radiation levels was detected. IAEA head Rafael Grossi reiterated calls for military restraint to prevent nuclear accidents during the conflict. The White House has stated that a primary goal of the U.S.-led war against Iran, launched on February 28, is to prevent the country from acquiring nuclear weapons. Satellite images from the first week of the 22-day war showed damage to Natanz, with several buildings reportedly destroyed. Russia condemned the latest attack as a “blatant violation of international law,” according to Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.#iran #united_states #israel #iaea #natanz
While UN issues mixed signals, Witkoff exposes Tehran’s nuclear evasion ‘pride’ The U.N. nuclear agency’s recent statements have failed to address critical concerns about Iran’s nuclear program, according to U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff. During an interview on Fox News, Witkoff revealed that Iranian negotiators openly expressed pride in evading international oversight protocols to advance their nuclear capabilities. The remarks, which highlight Iran’s defiance of global monitoring efforts, have drawn renewed scrutiny amid escalating tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. Witkoff detailed the challenges of nuclear negotiations, emphasizing that Iran’s refusal to fully cooperate with inspections has undermined trust in the process. He cited specific instances where Iranian officials boasted about bypassing safeguards to achieve weapons-grade uranium enrichment, a development that has raised alarms about the country’s nuclear ambitions. Despite these revelations, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has maintained that there is no conclusive evidence of Iran developing a nuclear weapon, a stance that Witkoff described as insufficient given the recent intelligence. The IAEA director general, Rafael Grossi, recently tweeted that “there has been no evidence of Iran building a nuclear bomb,” a claim that has been met with skepticism by U.S. officials. Fox News Digital sought clarification from the IAEA on how it could assess Iran’s nuclear activities without direct access to classified intelligence. The agency’s response, while vague, has not resolved the broader concerns about Iran’s compliance with international agreements. As the U.S. and Israel intensify military operations against Iran, the nuclear issue remains a central point of contention.#iran #un #steve_witkoff #iaea #rafael_grossi
