Israel Retracts Claim of Strike on Bushehr

Israel initially claimed to have struck Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant, staffed by Russian personnel, but later retracted the statement, calling it a mistake. Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed that Israel has provided assurances for the safety of Russian specialists at Bushehr, emphasizing ongoing Russia-Iran cooperation and no immediate threat to Russian workers. Russian officials warned that an attack on Bushehr could result in a catastrophe comparable to Chernobyl, prompting regional contingency planning for potential nuclear fallout. Despite recent Israeli strikes on other Iranian nuclear sites, such as Natanz, Isfahan, and Arak, Bushehr remains undamaged and operational. Putin suggested that a diplomatic resolution between Israel and Iran is possible, balancing Israeli security with Iran's civilian nuclear interests. The situation has heightened tensions in the Gulf and drawn international concern over the risk of regional escalation.