Into the second month of the US-Iran war, the conflict in the Gulf continues to escalate—airstrikes widening, oil markets reacting, and pressure mounting around the Strait of Hormuz. But beyond the immediate security and economic concerns, another question is quietly taking shape: What actually happens if a nuclear site is hit?
In most cases, even if a nuclear facility is hit, a large-scale radiological disaster is unlikely. Modern sites are designed with multiple safety systems that can shut down reactors and contain damage.
The risk isn’t defined by the strike itself, but by what the strike damages inside the facility. The risk becomes significantly higher, however, if those systems fail—or if