Israel Strikes Fordow Nuclear Access After US Attack

Escalation in Iran: Israel Targets Fordow Access Following Major US Strike

Following a massive weekend assault by the United States, Israel launched strikes on Monday aimed at access routes leading to Iran’s deeply buried Fordow nuclear enrichment facility. This action by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) marks a direct follow-up to the US operation and signals a potential shift in tactics targeting Iran’s sensitive nuclear infrastructure.

The strikes on Fordow’s access points occurred amidst a broader Israeli campaign targeting key Iranian regime and military sites across the country, including the notorious Evin Prison and various Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) command centers.

The Preceding US Assault

The Israeli operation on Monday came just two days after the United States conducted a large-scale, surprise attack on Saturday, June 22, 2025. Utilizing B-2 stealth bombers and potentially submarines, the US targeted three of Iran’s most critical nuclear facilities: Fordow, Natanz, and a site near Isfahan.

Due to Fordow’s unique location – built into the side of a mountain near Qom and heavily fortified underground – the US strike reportedly employed sophisticated bunker-buster munitions to penetrate the facility.

Damage Assessment and Uncertainty

Initial assessments suggest the US strike inflicted significant damage. Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated that all three targeted sites suffered “extremely severe damage and destruction,” though a full battle damage assessment would require more time. Rafael Mariano Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), echoed this, saying “very significant damage” was expected at Fordow given the powerful explosives used and the extreme sensitivity of enrichment centrifuges to vibration.

However, Israeli officials have reportedly indicated that the Fordow facility itself was “not destroyed” by the US strike. This context sheds light on the Israeli decision to target access routes – an action assessed by analysts as potentially intended to prevent Iran from fully assessing the damage or attempting to move materials or equipment from the site. Reports had previously suggested Iran might have relocated materials from Fordow prior to the US attack.

Satellite imagery taken on Sunday following the US strike appeared to show evidence of considerable damage at Fordow, including obliterated structures and visible impact points near the underground entrances.

Despite the strikes on nuclear sites, the IAEA has reported no increase in off-site radiation levels. It remains unclear whether any enriched nuclear material was destroyed in the attacks or if Iran had successfully moved sensitive materials beforehand.

Wider Israeli Campaign and Iran’s Response

The strikes on Fordow access routes were part of a wider series of Israeli actions. The IDF confirmed targeting Iran’s military capabilities, including:

Evin Prison: Known for holding political dissidents, reports suggest strikes targeted entrances, potentially aiming to facilitate escapes. The judiciary confirmed damage but stated the situation was “under control.”
IRGC Command Centers: Strikes hit key sites like the Basij Headquarters (a paramilitary force crucial for internal control) and the IRGC Ground Forces Sarallah Operational Base in Tehran (responsible for security and suppressing dissent), where significant casualties among IRGC personnel were reportedly estimated by Israel.

Military Infrastructure: Targets also included missile launchers, storage facilities, and satellite/radar sites, including in western Iran (Kermanshah and Hamedan areas).

In response to the initial US strike and subsequent Israeli actions, Iran has retaliated. Multiple ballistic missile attacks have been launched towards Israel, with reports indicating impacts near Ashdod and Safed, though no casualties were reported. The IRGC also launched suicide drones, with one reportedly hitting a residential area in Israel’s Beit She’an valley, marking the first such occurrence in this conflict phase. Early reports also suggested Iran targeted US forces in Qatar and Iraq, including the Al-Udeid airbase.

Diplomatic and Political Fallout

The escalating military actions are set against a backdrop of intense political maneuvering and diplomatic confusion. Experts have expressed confidence that the combined strikes represent a severe blow to Iran’s nuclear program, with some Israeli officials suggesting a setback of “years.”

The US deployment of B-2 bombers capable of delivering powerful bunker-busters signaled strong pressure. US President Trump had reportedly been considering joining Israel’s ongoing attacks, setting a potential timeline for a decision. However, Israeli officials reportedly felt a “limited window of opportunity” to act against Fordow and indicated they could proceed even before Trump’s deadline.

Amidst the tension, diplomatic efforts have been fraught. A reported attempt by the US and Turkey to arrange face-to-face talks between Trump and Iranian officials in Istanbul reportedly collapsed. Meanwhile, European leaders like French President Macron vowed to accelerate diplomatic efforts with Iran to secure guarantees that the country would never acquire nuclear weapons, despite perceived dismissal from the US administration.

Adding to the uncertainty, reports of a potential ceasefire agreement emerged over the weekend, including an announcement from the US President. However, Iran’s Foreign Minister subsequently denied a formal “agreement,” though stating Iran had no intention to continue its response if Israel ceased “illegal aggression.” The conflicting statements left the status of any potential halt in hostilities unclear.