The National Authority for Nuclear and Radiological Control, Chemical and Biological Safety confirmed that there are no indicators of a direct radiological threat to Iraq, indicating that necessary technical and precautionary measures are in place to deal with any potential nuclear or radiological emergency in the region.
The head of the authority, the nuclear engineer Fadel Hawi Mzban, stated in a statement received by the Video News Agency, that the geographical and geological data and weather conditions suggest a limited potential radiological impact on Iraqi territory, with ongoing monitoring and follow-up in anticipation of any regional developments.
Mzban clarified that the risk assessment is based on a set of factors, the most notable being the distance of the relevant sites from the Iraqi borders by hundreds of kilometers, and the geological terrain of those areas, noting that some installations are located within mountainous regions with granite rock formations, at depths exceeding 100 meters below the surface, which may contribute to containing a large part of the results of any explosion and limiting the spread of radioactive materials.
He added that the prevailing wind directions, especially in the upper atmosphere, could contribute to directing radioactive fallout away from Iraqi territory, thus reducing the likelihood of it reaching the air and regions of Iraq.
He indicated that the authority has prepared, through the central emergency room for nuclear and radiological incidents, a set of scenarios and plans to address various possibilities, in coordination with the relevant sectoral authorities.
He pointed out that preparations include monitoring and early warning systems spread along the border areas, linked to international monitoring networks and the International Atomic Energy Agency, to monitor background radiation levels and detect any unusual changes early.
Mzban reiterated that protecting citizens and the environment is a top priority, emphasizing the continuous monitoring of regional developments and the ongoing assessment of technical and scientific indicators, urging citizens to rely on official sources for information and to avoid spreading rumors.