Saudi Arabia says ‘no radioactive effects’ detected in Gulf after US strikes on Iran

Saudi regulatory authorities on Sunday confirmed that “no radioactive effects were detected” across the Gulf region following recent US military strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities. The announcement aims to allay any public concerns about potential environmental contamination from the conflict.

The kingdom’s Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission released a statement on X (formerly Twitter), asserting, “No radioactive effects were detected on the environment of the Kingdom and the Arab Gulf states as a result of the American military targeting of Iran’s nuclear facilities.” This swift declaration underscores the region’s heightened vigilance regarding nuclear safety and environmental monitoring in the wake of escalating tensions.

The US strikes, which targeted key nuclear enrichment facilities in Iran, have been a subject of intense international scrutiny and regional apprehension. Saudi Arabia, along with its Gulf neighbors, maintains sophisticated monitoring networks designed to detect any changes in atmospheric radiation levels. The current findings suggest that the targeted strikes either did not result in a release of radioactive material or that any such release was contained and did not spread beyond the immediate vicinity of the impacted sites in Iran.

Experts note that while conventional strikes on nuclear facilities carry inherent risks, the specific nature of the targets and the precision of the ordnance used can significantly influence the potential for radioactive dispersion. The Saudi statement, therefore, offers a crucial preliminary assessment for regional stability and public health.

Authorities in Riyadh did not provide further details on the scope or methodology of their monitoring efforts, but the assurance is likely to be welcomed by populations across the Gulf, who have been closely watching the unfolding geopolitical situation. The incident highlights the precarious balance of power in the Middle East and the critical importance of transparent communication regarding potential environmental impacts during periods of conflict. The international community continues to urge de-escalation to prevent any further actions that could lead to environmental hazards or widespread instability.