Tension has increased significantly between Iran and neighboring Gulf countries. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has given a big statement saying that if there is any attack on their nuclear plants, the nuclear leakage emanating from it can completely destroy the capitals of countries like Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait and Qatar. This warning has been issued on 4 April 2026, which has started a discussion regarding security among millions of Indians and other expatriates living in the Gulf region.
Which countries and cities will be most affected?
According to Iran’s Foreign Minister, the geographical location of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant is such that the radioactive waves emanating from there will reach the Gulf countries faster instead of Tehran. There is a danger of life in the capitals of neighboring countries due to the direction of the wind and short distance. Iran says that they will not remain silent on these attacks. These cities are mainly mentioned in this warning:
Bahrain: It is likely to have a direct impact on the capital Manama.
United Arab Emirates (UAE): Big cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai can come under the influence of radiation.
Kuwait: There is said to be a very high risk of radiation in Kuwait City.
Queue: Doha city may also be affected by this nuclear leakage.
Saudi Arabia: Riyadh city has also been placed in the list of potentially affected areas.
Latest situation and report of nuclear agency
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has expressed deep concern over these incidents and said that nuclear power plants should never be attacked. However, it is a matter of relief that no increase in radiation levels has been recorded around the Bushehr plant. The Russian company Rosatom, which works in this plant, has started evacuating its employees from there for safety reasons. The table below provides key details of the incident:
Key details Information Date of statement April 4, 2026 Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi Main cause of danger Radioactive leakage (Radiation) Name of the plant Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant (Bushehr) IAEA confirmation Radiation level is normal now
Kuwait had also earlier issued an advisory to its citizens and expatriates to stay indoors out of caution. Iran claims that Tehran is far away from this plant, so the damage there will be less, but the neighboring countries of the Gulf will soon get affected.