Satellite imagery captured by Maxar Technologies following a recent U.S. attack on Iran's Fordo nuclear enrichment facility exhibits significant rehabilitation efforts as the Iranian authorities assess the damage incurred by the bombings. With new roads constructed and machinery visible, experts speculate on Iran's investigative operations regarding the facility's structural integrity.
Israel's Airstrike on Iran's Fordo Nuclear Site Sparks Activity Amid Damage Assessments
Israel's Airstrike on Iran's Fordo Nuclear Site Sparks Activity Amid Damage Assessments
Satellite images reveal Iran mobilizing resources following U.S. airstrikes on its nuclear facility.
In a recent analysis, satellite images from June 22—following the bombings by American B-2 bombers utilizing Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs)—illustrate a lively scene at Fordo. Joseph S. Bermudez from the Center for Strategic and International Studies highlighted that images show Iranian personnel likely conducting evaluations of the bomb's impact, resulting in the construction of access roads leading up to newly formed craters. "It appears that they’re evaluating the hole, evaluating how deep it went," he stated.
Reports indicated that Iran is refraining from beginning any formal repair process within the facility. Peter McDonald from Viper Applied Science echoed this sentiment, stating, "I don’t see any evidence of repairs or recovery just yet." The U.S. strikes reportedly crippled the top areas of the mountain-hardened site, which has faced scrutiny from the international community for its nuclear ambitions.
In the wake of the U.S. operation, Israel also claimed to have conducted strikes against Fordo, targeting access routes around the high-security installation. The Iranian response has been rapid, with satellite images from June 27 revealing that the Persians swiftly filled the significant crater left by the Israeli strikes.
Despite the visible activity at the site, analysts assert that Iran has not transitioned into repairing or resuming operations. Bermudez stated, "There’s no real evidence for that. You would expect to see more vehicles, different types of vehicles," thus emphasizing the persisting uncertainty regarding the status of the facility and its future operations.
With the region's tensions soaring and nuclear ambitions under watch, the evolving situation at Fordo fuels further international dialogue and concern over nuclear proliferation.
Reports indicated that Iran is refraining from beginning any formal repair process within the facility. Peter McDonald from Viper Applied Science echoed this sentiment, stating, "I don’t see any evidence of repairs or recovery just yet." The U.S. strikes reportedly crippled the top areas of the mountain-hardened site, which has faced scrutiny from the international community for its nuclear ambitions.
In the wake of the U.S. operation, Israel also claimed to have conducted strikes against Fordo, targeting access routes around the high-security installation. The Iranian response has been rapid, with satellite images from June 27 revealing that the Persians swiftly filled the significant crater left by the Israeli strikes.
Despite the visible activity at the site, analysts assert that Iran has not transitioned into repairing or resuming operations. Bermudez stated, "There’s no real evidence for that. You would expect to see more vehicles, different types of vehicles," thus emphasizing the persisting uncertainty regarding the status of the facility and its future operations.
With the region's tensions soaring and nuclear ambitions under watch, the evolving situation at Fordo fuels further international dialogue and concern over nuclear proliferation.
