The U.S. airstrikes conducted last month inflicted significant damage on Iran’s Fordo Nuclear Site, according to a recent intelligence assessment. The strikes involved 12 massive bombs dropped by U.S. Air Force B-2 bombers, which may have destroyed key components of the facility. This assessment sheds light on the impact of the combined Israeli and U.S. operations targeting Iranian nuclear capabilities.
While two other nuclear sites were also targeted in the U.S. attacks, they sustained less damage compared to Fordo. However, facilities essential for fabricating nuclear weapons at those sites were destroyed, potentially requiring years for reconstruction, as stated by U.S. officials. Although there is speculation that the airstrikes did not wipe out Iran’s stockpile of near-bomb-grade fuel, which could theoretically be used to produce up to 10 nuclear weapons, the lack of infrastructure to manufacture a weapon renders the fuel largely ineffective.
The Fordo facility, regarded as Iran’s most advanced and best-protected nuclear enrichment site, suffered crippling damages. U.S. and Israeli officials believe that Iran retains a stockpile of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity, just below the threshold typically associated with nuclear weapons. However, they suspect this stockpile is now buried under rubble, limiting its accessibility. Israeli officials have indicated that the only accessible stockpile may be located at Iran’s nuclear laboratory in Isfahan.
The ongoing debate within the U.S. government revolves around how significantly the strikes have hindered Iran’s overall nuclear program. U.S. officials are examining the extent to which Iran’s ability to utilize existing uranium for weapon production has been affected.
The situation continues to evolve as officials assess the long-term ramifications of these military actions on regional and global security.
