Iran distributes 180,000 iodine tablets in Bushehr

US conducts strike on Qeshm Island air-defense systems

The United States conducted a military strike on Iranian air-defence systems located on Qeshm Island on Friday night. President Donald Trump said the action was minor and disabled a small anti-aircraft device in approximately 15 minutes.

Local residents posted videos of explosions on social media following the incident.

This airstrike is the first to occur since the Democratic Party’s victory in the United States mid-term elections. Analysts linked the timing of the military action to voter opposition regarding the president's decision to engage in conflict with Iran.

Trump clarifies nuclear stance and diplomatic progress

On 16 October, Donald Trump stated that the United States would not use nuclear weapons against Iran, though he did not rule out further conventional attacks. He indicated on 1 November that the United States could eliminate remaining underground nuclear sites in a very short time frame.

In a speech in Florida, Trump warned that allowing Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon would have led to the destruction of Israel. On 6 November, Trump asserted that the United States is not at war with Iran. He added that diplomatic negotiations led by Qatar are making a lot of progress toward a deal.

Iran outlines core demands for negotiations

Iran is currently reviewing proposals from Qatar regarding its nuclear programme. However, the government remains unwilling to negotiate with the Trump administration until the United States meets several core demands.

These conditions include ending the naval blockade of Iranian ports, lifting sanctions, and unfreezing Iranian assets. Iran also demands compensation for war damage and a halt to regional hostilities, including Israeli actions in Lebanon.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held phone calls with twelve foreign ministers over the two days preceding 6 November to explain these positions.

Regional military tensions and warnings

A military clash involving the United States, Israel, and Iran began on 28 February 2026, following an earlier fighting phase in June 2025. Iranian army spokesman Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia warned that Iran will never allow enemy bases in the region to be rebuilt.

According to Citrinowicz, if Iran is attacked, it would likely attempt to broaden the war from the start. This strategy would involve targeting Gulf states as a pressure point against Washington.

Medical guidance for iodine tablet usage

Potassium iodide works by filling the thyroid gland with stable iodine. This intervention aims to lower thyroid cancer risk for infants, children, pregnant women, and fetuses.

World Health Organization guidelines advise taking tablets from 24 hours before a radiological incident up to four hours afterwards. Officials provided specific age-based dosage instructions for this window. Infants under one month receive one-eighth of a tablet, while children aged one month to three years receive one-quarter. Children aged three to twelve take half a tablet, and people over twelve take one full tablet.

Newborns under one month should receive only a single dose and have thyroid hormone levels monitored. A paediatrician must be consulted within the first week after administration. Pregnant women may take a single dose when instructed by health authorities to protect their thyroid and that of the unborn child. Breastfeeding women should follow health authority instructions; while iodine passes into milk, the infant must receive its own dose, and breastfeeding can continue.

Tablets do not protect against external radiation, explosions, or radioactive substances like cesium or strontium. Evacuation, sheltering, and monitoring remain essential in a nuclear emergency. An attack damaging the Bushehr reactor could disable cooling equipment, leading to core damage, containment breaches, fires, and hydrogen-related explosions.