Experts Warn of Nuclear Disaster Risk if Bushehr Power Plant Is Targeted Amid Ongoing Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites
June 20, 2025 — Experts have raised serious concerns over the potential consequences of any attack on Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant, warning that such an event could trigger a major nuclear disaster. While recent Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities have so far caused limited contamination risks, the situation remains tense in the Gulf region.
What Has Israel Targeted So Far?
Israel has launched attacks on several Iranian nuclear sites, including Natanz, Isfahan, Arak, and facilities in Tehran. These strikes aim to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, a claim Iran denies.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed damage at key locations such as the uranium enrichment plant in Natanz, the Uranium Conversion Facility in Isfahan, and centrifuge production plants in Karaj and Tehran.
At the Arak site, known as Khondab, the IAEA reported damage to a heavy water reactor still under construction, which contained no nuclear material and was not yet operational.
Assessing the Risks So Far
Experts say the current strikes mainly pose chemical risks rather than radiological dangers.
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Peter Bryant, radiation protection expert from the University of Liverpool, noted that underground facilities like Natanz minimize radiation exposure risks.
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Darya Dolzikova from the think tank RUSI explained that chemical hazards from uranium hexafluoride (used in enrichment) are the primary concern, with potential impacts depending on weather conditions.
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Simon Bennett of the University of Leicester said subterranean strikes help contain nuclear materials beneath layers of earth and concrete, reducing environmental impact.
The Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant: A Different Concern
Experts unanimously agree that an attack on the Bushehr nuclear power plant would be far more dangerous.
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Richard Wakeford, epidemiologist at the University of Manchester, warned that damage to a large nuclear reactor could release radioactive material into the air or sea, causing widespread contamination.
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James Acton of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace called such an attack “an absolute radiological catastrophe,” stressing that current strikes on enrichment plants have minimal off-site effects.
The Importance of Caution
Given the grave risks, experts emphasize the high stakes of targeting Bushehr. Simon Bennett called it “foolhardy” to attack the plant, as breaching the reactor could lead to severe radioactive release, endangering millions.
What’s Next?
While Israel remains focused on curbing Iran’s nuclear capabilities, the international community watches closely, hoping to avoid escalation that could endanger regional safety and global energy supplies.
This careful balance highlights the critical need for diplomacy alongside security measures in the ongoing conflict surrounding Iran’s nuclear program.
