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Iran continues distributing anti-radiation iodine tablets in Bushehr amid regional tensions

Middle East Monitor 6th Nov 2026, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20261106-iran-continues-distributing-anti-radiation-iodine-tablets-in-bushehr-amid-regional-tensions/

Iranian health authorities have continued distributing iodine tablets to residents of the southern city of Bushehr, home to the country’s only operational nuclear power plant, as part of an emergency preparedness plan launched before the June 2025 war, the Young Journalists Club (YJC) news agency reported Friday.

The deputy head of Bushehr University of Medical Sciences for health affairs said the distribution initially prioritized areas surrounding the nuclear power plant before expanding to cover the entire city.

A total of 180,000 iodine tablets have been distributed under a decision by crisis management authorities, the official said.

The tablets remain available to residents at comprehensive health centers across Bushehr, according to the official.

The distribution program is limited to residents of Bushehr and is intended to protect against the absorption of radioactive iodine in the event of a nuclear or radiological incident…………………………………………………….

The announcement comes amid continued tensions between Iran and the US following the military offensive launched by Washington and Israel against Iran on Feb. 28.

US President Donald Trump warned on Nov. 1 that Washington could strike Iran’s remaining suspected nuclear facilities within 10 minutes, specifically mentioning Pickaxe Mountain, a suspected underground nuclear site.

Earlier, on Oct. 16, Trump ruled out using nuclear weapons against Iran while raising the possibility of further conventional strikes against suspected Iranian nuclear facilities.

Bushehr, located along Iran’s Gulf coast, hosts the country’s only operational nuclear power plant, making radiological emergency preparedness a particular concern for local authorities.

The iodine tablets protect the thyroid against radioactive iodine but do not provide protection against other radioactive substances or external radiation. https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20261106-iran-continues-distributing-anti-radiation-iodine-tablets-in-bushehr-amid-regional-tensions/

November 9, 2026 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | health, Iran