Iran has reportedly begun distributing iodine tablets to communities living near its nuclear facilities amid growing fears of possible fresh military strikes by the United States.
According to Al Jazeera, which cited a report by The Times of London, an unnamed Iranian Health Ministry official confirmed the reported distribution.
“Yes, we are distributing iodine,” the official reportedly said, explaining that Iranian authorities traditionally provide the tablets to residents living within two to three kilometres of nuclear installations during periods of heightened conflict.
The official also expressed concern over threats by US President Donald Trump, saying he could no longer be trusted not to launch further attacks against Iran.
Iodine tablets, also known as potassium iodide, help protect the thyroid gland against radioactive iodine during certain nuclear or radiological emergencies. However, they do not protect against other forms of radiation or provide complete protection against radiation exposure.
The report further indicated that a possible US strike on Iran’s heavily fortified Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility was under serious consideration, according to an Iranian political journalist.
The reported development follows discussions between Trump and his national security team on Wednesday and Thursday about the possibility of resuming military operations against Iran.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, November 5, Trump said Washington would soon decide whether to launch further attacks, warning that he might have to destroy more of the country.
However, Iran’s Health Ministry has disputed the report’s sourcing, denying that any of its officials spoke to The Times of London.
The reported distribution of iodine tablets has not been independently verified, leaving questions about the scale of the alleged preparations and the circumstances surrounding the development.
