One concerning question is taking centre stage as tensions between Israel and Iran rise: What if Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility is bombed by the US or Israel? Could radiation leaks throughout the area result from such an attack?
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and international security circles have taken notice of this issue, which is not merely theoretical.
What Is the Fordow Facility and Why Is It So Critical?
Fordow is not like other nuclear reactors. Deep in Iran’s mountains sits this high-security underground uranium enrichment facility. Here, Iran enriches uranium for possible use in nuclear fuel or weapons by centrifuging uranium hexafluoride gas (UF6).
Any attack on Fordow could be both literally and figuratively geopolitically explosive due to its location and the delicate nature of its operations.
Could an Attack Lead to Radiation Leaks?
Yes, but the threat might not be that great, say experts in arms control.
There could be some radiation and chemical contamination if a bunker-penetrating bomb were to penetrate Fordow’s subterranean layers. However, experts predict that it would probably stay localised within a 2- to 5-kilometer radius.
Expert Insight
Kesley Davenport, Director of Nonproliferation Policy at the Arms Control Association, explains:
“Even if radiation escapes, it would mostly be low-level alpha radiation. This isn’t the kind that spreads rapidly through the atmosphere—it’s more of a chemical toxicity issue.”
No Meltdown Risk: Fordow Is Not a Nuclear Reactor
One critical clarification: Fordow does not contain an active reactor core. This means it cannot experience a catastrophic “meltdown” like Chernobyl or Fukushima.
Scott Roecker, VP of Nuclear Material Security at the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), reassures:
“Because Fordow is underground and not an operational reactor, the risk of significant radiation escaping is extremely low.”
Would Israel or the US Really Target Fordow?
It’s unlikely—at least directly. Military and legal analysts believe Israel and the US will avoid targeting active nuclear facilities to steer clear of international law violations and regional blowback.
Davenport adds:
“A strike on a nuclear facility would be seen as a breach of international law. It could spark fallout not just in Iran, but across the entire Middle East.”
The Bigger Risk: Political Fallout and Global Panic
A strike on Fordow could have enormous psychological and diplomatic repercussions, even though the physical threat of radiation may be low. An attack of that nature would probably cause market instability, widespread fear, and international censure.
A mistake at a delicate location like Fordow could be the catalyst for a much larger regional conflict, as tensions are already at an all-time high.
Read More: The Hidden Science Behind Iran’s Nuclear Power—And Why It’s a Global Threat
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