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Attacks on Nuclear Sites: Radiological Risks & Global Security | Current Affairs

Attacks on nuclear enrichment facilities, like recent strikes on Iran’s Fordow and Natanz plants, trigger global fears of radiation disasters. Unlike nuclear bombs, these sites pose contamination threats – not explosions – demanding urgent analysis of non-proliferation policies and regional stability for UPSC aspirants.

Why Nuclear Facilities Are Vulnerable Targets
Nuclear sites store massive radioactive materials in fortified containers, but military strikes can breach safety systems. While no nuclear explosion occurs (contrary to popular fear), attacks risk radiological contamination – dispersing toxins like enriched uranium into air, soil, and water. Recent US-Israel strikes on Iran’s Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz enrichment facilities highlight this threat.

Nuclear Bombs vs. Radiological Leaks: Key Differences
For UPSC Aspirants, focus on these distinctions:
Nuclear Weapons: Detonate mid-air, releasing energy via fission/fusion. Blast waves and heat cause mass destruction (e.g., Hiroshima).
Enrichment Facilities: Store uranium isotopes (U-238/U-235). Strikes here cannot trigger nuclear explosions but can:
Release radioactive dust (chemical contamination).
Spread gamma-ray-emitting materials via damaged storage.
Contaminate ecosystems for decades (e.g., Chernobyl’s exclusion zone).

Why Radiation Leaks ≠ Nuclear Explosions
No Chain Reaction: Nuclear bombs require precise fission chain reactions. Enrichment plants lack weapon-grade uranium density.
HEU Vulnerability: Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) needs 90%+ U-235 purity. Even if struck, conventional bombs disperse – not detonate – it.
IAEA Safeguards: The International Atomic Energy Agency monitors radiation post-attack. Post-Iran strikes, it confirmed no off-site radiation spikes.

Geopolitical Implications (Mains GS II Focus)
Non-Proliferation Risks: Attacks undermine the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), escalating regional arms races.
India’s Interests: Instability in West Asia affects energy security and diaspora safety. Diplomatic balance is crucial.
IAEA’s Role: Global monitoring and rapid radiation assessments prevent misinformation during crises.

Sample Q&A for Exam Prep:
Q1. (Prelims) Uranium enrichment beyond 90% is essential for:
A. Nuclear power reactors
B. Radioisotope medical use
C. Nuclear weapons (HEU)
D. Agricultural irradiation
Ans: C (Highly Enriched Uranium weapons require >90% U-235 concentration.)
Q2. (Prelims) IAEA confirmed no radiation leaks after Iran facility strikes due to:
A. Underground storage
B. Robust containment design
*C. Low U-238 stocks*
D. Advanced monitoring systems
Ans: B (Facilities use reinforced containers to minimize leaks.)
Q3. (Mains) Differentiate between nuclear explosions and radiological contamination from facility attacks.
Ans: Nuclear explosions release energy via fission/fusion chain reactions, causing blast/thermal damage. Radiological contamination disperses radioactive materials (e.g., uranium dust), leading to long-term health/environmental harm without explosions.
Q4. (Mains) How do attacks on nuclear sites impact global non-proliferation efforts?
Ans: They erode trust in the NPT, incentivize covert nuclear programs, and challenge IAEA’s authority, potentially triggering regional arms races.
Q5. (Mains) Analyze India’s diplomatic challenges amid West Asian nuclear facility strikes.
Ans: India must balance energy imports from the region, safeguard its diaspora, and advocate for peaceful resolution through multilateral forums (UN, IAEA) to protect strategic interests.