Iran distributes iodine pills near nuclear sites as Trump weighs fresh strikes

Iran has started distributing iodine tablets to people living near its nuclear facilities amid growing fears of a possible fresh US military strike, according to media reports. The move comes as US President Donald Trump weighs whether to resume military operations against Tehran and US forces prepare for a possible escalation. An Iranian health ministry official confirmed the distribution in comments cited by the Al Jazeera. "Yes, we are distributing iodine," the official was quoted as saying. "Trump can no longer be trusted. He may go through with this crime, " as per Al Jazeera. The official said Iran routinely provides the preventive medication to residents living within a 2-3 km radius of nuclear installations when military tensions rise. Iodine tablets are used to protect the thyroid gland from absorbing radioactive iodine in the event of a nuclear incident. Their distribution does not, by itself, indicate that a radiation emergency is imminent.

The latest reports also point to growing military preparations in Washington. An Iranian political journalist told Al Jazeera that state officials were informed during a recent briefing that a possible US strike on the heavily fortified Pickaxe Mountain nuclear site was being seriously considered. Trump met his national security team on Thursday to discuss whether military operations against Iran should resume, Fox News reported, citing senior US officials. The meetings reportedly took place at the White House on Wednesday and Thursday. Fox News also highlighted that November 9 would bring a new moon in the Middle East, leaving little or no moonlight. Such conditions can be advantageous for military operations, although there has been no confirmation that any strike has been scheduled. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump said Washington would soon "make a decision" on whether to resume the war. He questioned whether the US should launch further attacks to ensure Iran's nuclear programme was permanently dismantled and "it will never happen again". "I would rather not destroy the rest of the country if possible, but maybe I will have to. You'll know soon enough," Trump said. Meanwhile, a US official told media outlets that the US Central Command was finalising preparations for a possible resumption of major military operations against Iran. However, Washington had not yet issued formal orders to proceed.

Amid the rising tensions, Iraqi prime minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi spoke to Trump over the phone on Thursday and made clear that Iraq would not allow its territory to be used as a launchpad for attacks on neighbouring countries. A statement issued by the prime minister's office on X reiterated Baghdad's position. "Mr. Prime Minister affirmed Iraq's position calling for respect for the sovereignty of states, non-use of its territories as a launchpad for aggression against neighbouring countries." Iraq's warning comes as the possibility of renewed US military action against Iran raises concerns about a wider regional escalation.