24th June 2025
24th June 2025
Situation in Iran: No evidence of increased radiation levels after attacks on nuclear installations
The Icelandic National Radiation Safety Authority (‘IRS) has been monitoring the development of the situation in Iran closely since the Israeli air strikes on several nuclear installations on 13 June. The US then attacked three nuclear installations in Iran on 22 June, including two installations with centrifuges for uranium enrichment.
According to the Iranian authorities, there are no indications of leaking radioactive material into the environment or of increased radiation levels following the attacks. If uranium is released from these nuclear sites, the contamination would be local.
It is worth noting that the Bushehr nuclear power plant in the Persian Gulf has not been attacked. It is the only nuclear plant that could lead to a serious nuclear accident beyond Iran's borders, if it were to be attacked.
The IAEA has brought attention the potential consequences of the attacks for Iranian nuclear safety and potentially for the wider world. The IAEA has urged the parties concerned to show calm and to refrain from attacks, as there are serious consequences of a conflict with or near a nuclear installation. The IAEA inspectors need to be able to perform their role in Iran. This includes monitoring of nuclear activities and the uranium in Iran, including 400 kg of 60% enriched uranium that the IAEA does not know where is located today.
The Icelandic Radiation Protection Authority has been in contact with the sister organizations in the Nordic countries and will continue to monitor developments closely.
The picture shows Fordow in Iran. The picture is gotten from NASA.