Iranian state television has broadcast an AI-generated video explaining how civilians should respond to a nuclear attack, as tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran continue to attract international concern.
The footage provides instructions on finding shelter, avoiding radioactive contamination and protecting food and drinking water in the aftermath of a nuclear explosion.
Its circulation comes amid renewed speculation about possible military action against Iran, including claims that US President Donald Trump could be considering further strikes against the country's nuclear facilities.
However, there has been no official confirmation that the United States is preparing to use nuclear weapons against Iran.
What did Iranian state television tell people to do?
The AI-generated public safety video outlines a series of steps intended to help civilians survive the immediate effects of a nuclear explosion and reduce their exposure to radioactive fallout.
According to the broadcast, people who witness a nuclear detonation should avoid looking directly at the flash and immediately seek protection.
Anyone indoors is advised to move away from windows and exterior walls, instead heading towards the centre of a building or a basement where possible.
These areas can provide greater protection from flying debris, the blast wave and radioactive particles.
The video also advises people to close windows and doors and switch off ventilation systems that draw outside air into the building.
Once inside a suitable shelter, the instructions recommend remaining indoors while authorities assess the danger.
What should people do if they have been exposed to radioactive fallout?
The Iranian broadcast also includes advice for people who may have been exposed to radioactive material while outside.
According to the guidance, individuals should remove their outer clothing and place it inside a sealed bag to reduce the spread of radioactive particles.
They should then wash exposed skin and hair with warm water and soap.
Removing contaminated outer clothing can substantially reduce the amount of radioactive material carried on the body.
People should avoid scrubbing their skin aggressively, as this could cause irritation or damage.
The guidance is broadly consistent with established public health recommendations for reducing external radioactive contamination.
How long should people stay indoors after a nuclear attack?
One of the broadcast's central recommendations is to remain sheltered for at least 24 hours following a nuclear explosion.
This is because radioactive fallout can pose a serious danger after the initial blast, particularly in areas downwind of the detonation.
Radiation levels from many fallout products decrease significantly during the first several hours, making early sheltering especially important.
However, remaining indoors for 24 hours does not automatically mean an area is safe.
People should continue following instructions from emergency authorities, who can assess local conditions and determine when evacuation or movement is appropriate.
The broadcast also encourages households to have bottled water and sealed or canned food available in case they are unable to leave their shelter.
Why has Iran released the nuclear survival video?
Iran's public safety guidance has emerged during a period of heightened military tensions involving Tehran, Washington and Israel.
Reports indicate that the educational material was released on October 29 as part of Iran's Civil Defence Week, which included preparations for a range of possible emergencies.
Its publication therefore predates some of the latest public speculation about an imminent nuclear strike.
The release of emergency preparedness information does not, by itself, demonstrate that Iranian authorities have received intelligence about an impending nuclear attack.
Tucker Carlson makes alarming claim about possible US strike
On November 1, conservative commentator Tucker Carlson claimed that the Trump administration could be approaching a decision on whether to use a nuclear weapon against an Iranian underground facility.
Writing on X, Carlson alleged that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was pressuring Trump to authorise an attack on a site known as Pickax Mountain.
He claimed the facility was protected by extensive rock formations and that conventional weapons might be unable to destroy its underground infrastructure.
Carlson also suggested that a decision could come by November 7.
However, he did not provide independently verifiable evidence supporting his account of the administration's private deliberations.
His claims should not be treated as confirmation that a nuclear strike has been authorised, scheduled or even formally proposed.
What has the White House said?
The White House has challenged Carlson's suggestion that he has knowledge of the administration's military planning.
A White House official told defence publication The War Zone that Carlson had no insight into the president's thinking or operational decisions.
Trump has also previously rejected the idea that nuclear weapons would be necessary for strikes against Iranian facilities.
While the administration has discussed military options involving Iran, there is an important distinction between conventional weapons and nuclear weapons.
For example, the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, commonly known as the Mother of All Bombs, is an extremely powerful conventional weapon.
Despite its destructive capability, it is not a nuclear weapon and does not produce the radioactive fallout associated with a nuclear detonation.
What should people actually do during a nuclear emergency?
Public safety agencies, including the US Federal Emergency Management Agency, provide similar advice for protecting civilians during a radiological or nuclear emergency.
The central guidance can be summarised as three actions: get inside, stay inside and stay informed.
People should seek shelter in a substantial building, ideally a basement or central room away from exterior walls and windows.
Those who were outside during potential fallout exposure should remove contaminated outer clothing and wash exposed skin.
Food and water stored in sealed containers are generally preferable to items exposed outdoors.
Emergency supplies such as drinking water, non-perishable food, medication, a flashlight and a battery-powered radio can also help households cope with prolonged sheltering.
People should not take potassium iodide tablets unless public health authorities specifically recommend them, as they protect only against certain forms of radioactive iodine exposure and are not a general antidote to radiation.
Does the broadcast mean a nuclear attack is imminent?
No evidence currently establishes that a nuclear strike against Iran is imminent.
Although military tensions remain serious, the Iranian broadcast is a form of emergency preparedness guidance rather than proof of an impending attack.
Likewise, Carlson's public claims about a potential nuclear strike have not been independently substantiated.
For now, the footage demonstrates the measures Iranian authorities are encouraging civilians to understand in the event of a worst-case emergency.
The wider situation remains uncertain, with international attention focused on whether diplomatic negotiations or further military action will shape the next stage of the conflict.
