U.S. Airstrike on Iranian Nuclear Facility May Trigger Serious Environmental Crisis

June 22, 2025 A U.S. airstrike on Iran’s nuclear facility could trigger a triple catastrophe of chemical toxicity, radiological exposure and ecological contamination. In the event of damage to the Fordow nuclear facility, a leak of uranium hexafluoride would release highly toxic hydrogen fluoride gas, and radioactive fallout could affect the ecosystem of the Tigris River basin. The environmental consequences of such military operations are transnational in nature and require the concerted attention of the international community.