Iranian authorities have started distributing anti-radiation iodine tablets in Bushehr, home to the country’s only operational nuclear power plant, as part of emergency preparations amid rising regional tensions.
According to international media reports, the distribution began near the nuclear facility before expanding to other parts of the city. Iranian crisis management authorities have ordered the release of 180,000 tablets, which residents can obtain through designated comprehensive health centres.
The distribution programme was originally introduced as part of emergency preparedness measures before the June 2025 war.
The tablets contain stable iodine, which helps protect the thyroid gland by reducing its absorption of radioactive iodine in the event of a nuclear or radiological emergency.
Authorities have issued different dosage instructions based on age. Infants under one month are prescribed one-eighth of a tablet, while children aged one month to three years are assigned one-quarter. Children between three and 12 years are advised to take half a tablet, while people above 12 are prescribed one full tablet.
According to the reported guidance, the tablets are intended to be taken from 24 hours before potential exposure until four hours after exposure. However, they should only be used under official medical or emergency instructions.
Stable iodine does not protect against other radioactive materials or radiation exposure affecting the rest of the body.
The distribution comes as tensions between Iran and the United States continue to rise following the February 28 US and Israeli offensive.
On November 1, US President Donald Trump warned that Washington could target Iran’s remaining suspected nuclear facilities within 10 minutes, referring to the Pickaxe Mountain site. He had previously ruled out using nuclear weapons on October 16 but left open the possibility of further conventional military strikes.
Iran’s latest distribution of iodine tablets is part of its preparations for a possible nuclear or radiological emergency, although the move does not necessarily indicate that an incident is imminent.
