Saudi Nuclear Regulator Confirms Environmental Safety Amid Regional Tensions

Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: Saudi Arabia’s Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission (NRRC) has assured the public that radiation levels across the Kingdom remain within normal limits and that the environment is safe, despite heightened military tensions in the region following the recent escalation between Iran and Israel.

In a statement published Thursday on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the NRRC confirmed that no radiation leaks have been detected within the Kingdom. The commission stressed that it is maintaining continuous monitoring of the radiological situation and that no adverse environmental impacts have been recorded.

In a follow-up post early Friday, the NRRC addressed concerns regarding a reported military strike on Iran’s Arak research reactor. The commission clarified that the facility currently contains no nuclear fuel and therefore poses no radiological risk, confirming that the incident has had no impact on Saudi Arabia’s environment or public health.

The NRRC emphasized that its emergency operations center remains fully operational around the clock, actively assessing any potential threats related to nuclear fallout. It reaffirmed that preventive protocols and safety measures are in place to protect the Kingdom’s population and environment in the event of any unforeseen developments.

Additionally, the commission highlighted the resilience of Saudi Arabia’s desalination systems, noting that they are engineered to remove both salt and radioactive particles from seawater, ensuring the safety of the nation’s water supply. While radiation monitoring has been enhanced as a precaution, the NRRC affirmed that current data supports the continued safety of desalinated water.

Earlier in the week, the NRRC also stated that its predictive radiological assessment capabilities extend to neighboring Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. Based on current conditions and available data, the commission concluded that there is no need to activate the national nuclear emergency response plan at this time.

The NRRC continues to provide transparent updates to the public and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the Kingdom’s environment and public health.