nuclear-news

Targeting Nuclear Power

 Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, Streamed live on 13 Apr 2026, https://www.youtube.com/live/CQGbJKEbzy8

Since it began on February 28th, the war in the Middle East has targeted civilian infrastructure, including energy infrastructure. Civilian nuclear power plants have not been immune as Dimona in Israel and areas near Bushehr in Iran have been targeted repeatedly. In early April, Moscow evacuated Russian nationals working at the Bushehr facility. And IAEA director Rafael Grossi has warned about an increasing possibility of nuclear leaks, raising the specter of a nuclear incident caused by conflict. Years of Russian targeting of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility in Ukraine, show that this threat is not unique to one conflict.

Notwithstanding, the US and Iran have reached a ceasefire agreement. But these security concerns should not be forgotten. Interest – and investment – in nuclear energy is increasing globally, as leaders seek to reduce energy interdependence and reliance on fossil fuels.

This panel will discuss growing concerns around nuclear safety as well as broader questions around nuclear power plants becoming targets in war and implications for the future of nuclear energy.

Speakers on the panel include:

Moderator: Rachel Bronson, a senior advisor at the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. From February 2015 to January 2025, she served as the Bulletin’s president and CEO. She also serves as the Lester Crown Nonresident Senior Fellow for Energy and Geopolitics at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

Lars van Dassen, the Executive Director for the World Institute for National Security. Previously, he served as the Acting Department Head, Section Head and Director for the Office for External Relations at the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority.

Laura S. H. Holgate, who served most recently as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations International Organizations in Vienna and the Representative of the United States of America to the International Atomic Energy Agency. Holgate currently leads LSHH International Advisors.

April 18, 2026 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | safety, weapons and war