According to regional media reports, Iran will use nuclear technology to control mosquitoes that carry pathogens. The measure is intended to limit the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, as many countries seek sustainable alternatives to insecticide spraying.
Nuclear technology in this field is generally understood to mean the sterile insect technique (SIT), in which male mosquitoes are irradiated to neutralize their reproductive capacity before being released into the environment. When they mate with females, they produce no next generation, gradually shrinking the mosquito population over time without the use of toxic chemicals.
Iran's adoption of the method is seen as part of efforts to respond to diseases such as dengue fever, malaria and Zika — mosquito-related outbreaks that take a serious toll on public health in many regions.
There is no detailed information yet on the scope of the rollout, the specific timeline, or which localities will be covered. Still, the move indicates Iran is widening its use of nuclear technology into health and disease control, alongside energy and research purposes.
