US strikes Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan: What happens when a nuclear site is bombed and how to survive radiation

In a dramatic televised address Saturday night(June 22), President Trump declared that US forces had “completely and totally obliterated” Iran’s key nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan via a coordinated strike with Israel. US reportedly used stealth B‑2 bombers, 30,000‑lb bunker‑buster bombs, and Tomahawk missiles in the attack on the three facilities.

The aim was to destroy Iran’s uranium enrichment capacity and the “nuclear threat”.

What is a nuclear site, and why is it targeted?

Nuclear sites like Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan in Iran are used to enrich uranium, a process that can be used for civilian energy but also for making nuclear weapons. These facilities are often underground, heavily fortified, and protected by anti-air defenses.

The US claimed the strikes were intended to “destroy Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity” and halt what President Trump called a “nuclear threat” from a nation he described as the “world’s number one state sponsor of terror”.

What happens when a nuclear site is bombed?

Destroying a nuclear site is not like hitting an ordinary military base. These facilities often contain radioactive material, complex machinery, and reinforced structures to prevent leaks or accidents. A “bunker-buster” bomb, as the US did with the 30,000-pound GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator, is designed to punch deep into the earth to reach buried facilities.

If radioactive material is present, the explosion could rupture containment systems, releasing radiation into the air, soil, and water. In a worst-case scenario, this could lead to localized radiation poisoning, environmental damage, or long-term contamination.

How serious are the risks of radiation?

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), direct strikes on operational nuclear facilities carry a high risk of radioactive release, depending on how much material is present and whether it’s properly shielded.

Iran has claimed that its sites were not active and were evacuated prior to the strikes. But these claims haven’t been independently verified. Radiation risk cannot be ruled out until air and soil monitoring confirms safety.

Even in non-explosive cases, debris from damaged reactors, stored waste, or enrichment byproducts could expose civilians and cleanup workers to harmful doses.

How to stay safe?

If you’re near a suspected nuclear site or live in an area where tensions are rising, here are key steps to stay safe:

Listen to local authorities: They’ll issue radiation warnings or evacuation orders if needed.

Stay indoors: In case of a leak, close windows, shut off ventilation, and remain indoors to reduce exposure.

Keep a radio or phone charged: For emergency alerts.

Have an emergency kit ready: Include iodine tablets (to protect your thyroid), water, canned food, and a mask.

Stay informed: Monitor trusted news sources and health advisories.

This is the first time the US has used a bunker-buster bomb operationally, raising the stakes not just for Iran, but for global norms on nuclear safety and warfare. As UN Secretary-General António Guterres said, the risk of escalation “with catastrophic consequences for civilians” is real.