US strikes on Iranian nuclear installations have sparked global concerns about potential radiation leaks as the Israel-Iran war intensifies. On Saturday, the US military targeted Iran’s main nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.
By launching these strikes on sensitive sites, the US triggered widespread fears of possible radioactive contamination.
Iran Denies Any Radiation Risk
Widespread fears emerged, but Iran firmly rejected any threat of radiation exposure after the US strikes. An official from the Iranian Broadcasting Corporation stated that the targeted nuclear facilities held no materials capable of causing radiation leaks.
The National Nuclear Safety System Centre reported, “No signs of contamination have been recorded.” The statement added, “There is no danger to the residents living around the aforementioned sites.” Earlier, Israeli strikes had raised similar concerns, but the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) verified that they detected no release of radioactive material.
The UN’s IAEA has repeatedly warned that attacks on nuclear installations severely threaten international nuclear safety and security.
Evacuation of Nuclear Sites Before U.S. Strikes
Iran rapidly evacuated its nuclear sites before the US strikes, which played a crucial role in preventing disaster. Hassan Abedini, deputy political head of Iran’s state broadcaster, explained, “The enriched uranium reserves had been transferred from the nuclear centres and there are no materials left there that, if targeted, would cause radiation and be harmful to our compatriots.”
This swift evacuation greatly reduced the risk of radiation leaks from the attacks. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump announced the strikes and issued a stern warning to Tehran. “If peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill,” Trump declared during a brief speech.
The US military launched the strikes after days of intense deliberation, even before Trump’s self-imposed two-week deadline for military intervention expired.