How Far Could Radiation Spread If Israel Or US Strike Iran’s Fordo Nuclear Facility?

Last Updated:June 19, 2025, 14:46 IST

Kelsey Davenport said any radiation leak from Fordo would likely involve low-level alpha particles, posing chemical toxicity risks rather than widespread radioactive fallout

The Fordo plant is a sensitive uranium enrichment facility located deep within a mountainous region of Iran. (AP/File)

Amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, concerns are growing over the possible consequences of a strike on Iran’s Fordo nuclear facility by the US or Israel. International agencies, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), have expressed alarm over the potential spread of radiation in the event of such an attack, raising fears of widespread regional contamination.

According to a CNN report, the Fordo plant is a sensitive uranium enrichment facility located deep within a mountainous region of Iran and is under international surveillance. The plant enriches uranium hexafluoride gas (UF6) using centrifuge machines, which can be used for nuclear fuel or weapons in the future.

How Serious Is The Threat?

According to experts, if the US or Israel were to strike the Fordo nuclear facility and successfully penetrate its underground layers, there could be limited radiation or chemical leakage. However, they believe any such leak would likely remain localised, affecting an area within a 2 to 5-kilometre radius.

Kelsey Davenport, Director for Nonproliferation Policy at the Arms Control Association, noted that even if radiation leaks from Fordo, it would primarily consist of low-level alpha radiation, which could manifest as chemical toxicity. People could avoid exposure by using proper safety equipment.

Not A Nuclear Reactor Strike

It is also crucial to note that Fordo is not a nuclear reactor but a uranium enrichment plant. It lacks an active reactor core or fuel that could lead to a ‘meltdown’.

Scott Roecker, Vice President for Nuclear Materials Security at Nuclear Threat Initiative, emphasised that since the site is underground, the likelihood of significant radiation release is very low.

Will Israel Strike Fordo?

Experts believe an Israeli or US strike on Iran’s Fordo facility is unlikely, as directly targeting a nuclear site could violate international law and risk widespread radiation, with potentially devastating consequences for the region.

Davenport pointed out that attacking a nuclear reactor would constitute a blatant violation of international law and would have significant repercussions across the Middle East.

Could The US Supply Bunker-Busters?

According to an AP report, if the US chooses to directly back Israel in striking Iran’s Fordo nuclear facility, it may supply advanced “bunker-buster" bombs capable of penetrating deep underground.

These Massive Ordnance Penetrators, known as GBU-57 A/B, weigh around 30,000 pounds and are designed to destroy fortified bunkers by burrowing nearly 200 feet before detonation. While the bombs carry conventional warheads, their use at a site like Fordo—which enriches uranium—raises concerns about the potential release of radioactive material.

However, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has previously noted that Israeli strikes at other nuclear sites, such as Natanz, resulted in contamination limited to the immediate target area.

Location :

Iran

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News world How Far Could Radiation Spread If Israel Or US Strike Iran’s Fordo Nuclear Facility?