Iran orders emergency evacuation near nuclear reactor 

Iranian authorities issued an urgent evacuation order on Wednesday, targeting civilians and personnel within a 3.1-mile radius of the Bushehr nuclear reactor, the country’s sole nuclear power facility. The Bushehr region spokesperson, as reported by IRNA, emphasized that foreign nationals, as well as local residents, must leave the area immediately. The directive includes four neighborhoods near the reactor, which powers much of southern Iran.

This evacuation comes amid heightened scrutiny, with international observers previously raising concerns about the potential military implications of Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Meanwhile, Nasratolah Saif, deputy commander of the Revolutionary Guard's Basij militia, announced plans for intensified "security patrols" to protect critical infrastructure against foreign threats. Speaking to Tasnim news agency, Saif revealed that drills and surveillance would be expanded nationwide, signaling Iran's focus on safeguarding its sensitive sites.

* Israel Hayom contributed to this article.