The official Iranian television and Iranian media have released an awareness video containing guidelines for citizens on how to act in the event of a nuclear explosion, in a move that has once again highlighted concerns about the implications of military escalation, amid apprehensions in Tehran regarding the possibility of the United States using nuclear weapons against it.

The instructions included a warning against looking directly at the intense flash of light resulting from the explosion, and urged those in open areas to take shelter behind a barrier and lie on the ground while covering their head and face, if they cannot enter a building immediately.

The video emphasized the necessity of heading to the nearest building after the shockwave has passed, and not remaining outside to watch or film what happened, with a warning against using cars as a refuge.

For those inside buildings, the guidelines advised them to move to basements or interior and central areas, away from windows and exterior walls, and to close doors and windows, as well as to turn off air conditioning and ventilation systems that draw air from outside.

Regarding the possibility of exposure to dust or radioactive materials, the video recommended carefully removing outer clothing without shaking it off, placing it in a sealed bag, then washing with soap and water, and using bottled water and packaged food.

The instructions also included preparing to stay inside the shelter for at least 24 hours, and not assuming that the place has become safe once this period has elapsed, with the necessity of waiting for official announcements regarding the timing of a safe exit, and moving to another location if the building catches fire or is at risk of collapse.

These guidelines come at a time when fears are increasing about the widening scope of military confrontation in the region, and the potential risks to civilians, especially in light of circulating scenarios regarding targeting vital facilities and the possibilities of escalation between Iran and its adversaries.

These awareness messages do not, in themselves, indicate that a nuclear strike is imminent or that Iranian authorities have announced receiving a specific threat in this regard; the published information regarding the video did not include an official announcement of an imminent nuclear threat or specify a timeline for it.

Some of the guidelines mentioned in the video, such as taking shelter inside buildings, closing air intake points, and using preserved water and food, align with recommendations published by international health and governmental organizations regarding actions to take in radiation emergencies and nuclear explosions.