In a dramatic escalation, the United States launched major airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities on Saturday night, marking a sharp shift from earlier diplomatic efforts. President Trump announced that key nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan had been “obliterated.” But how much damage was really done?
Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What Happened?
Using powerful warplanes, submarines, and massive 30,000-pound “bunker-busting” bombs, the US attacked three of Iran’s top nuclear facilities: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
The goal? To severely weaken Iran’s nuclear program and send a clear warning.
Fordow – Deep Underground, Deeply Hit
Fordow is Iran’s most secure nuclear site, hidden deep within a mountain. It’s designed to be nearly impossible to destroy — but the US came prepared.
- 12 bunker-busting bombs were dropped by B-2 bombers.
- Satellite images now show six large craters over the facility.
- Experts believe the damage could be significant, possibly reaching the underground uranium enrichment halls.
- Iran downplayed the strikes, but international nuclear experts say the visual evidence tells another story.
In short: Fordow took a heavy hit, though the full extent of the internal damage is still being assessed.
Natanz – Iran’s Largest Enrichment Center
Natanz was already damaged earlier in June by an Israeli strike. The US targeted it again with:
- Two more bunker-buster bombs
- 30 Tomahawk cruise missiles from US submarines
Satellite images now show two new craters right above its underground structures. It’s unclear how much underground damage was caused, but the location of the craters suggests serious targeting precision.
Natanz houses crucial centrifuges used to enrich uranium — a central part of any nuclear weapons program. Damaging these could delay Iran’s nuclear ambitions significantly.
Isfahan – Iran’s Nuclear Research Hub
Isfahan is home to Iran’s biggest nuclear research complex, with about 3,000 scientists working there.
- At least 18 buildings were damaged or destroyed.
- Satellite images show blackened areas and rubble.
- The main uranium conversion facility was severely damaged, according to nuclear experts.
- Three of the four tunnel entrances to underground sections reportedly collapsed.
Some of these tunnels may have stored enriched uranium. If those were hit, it could mean a major blow to Iran’s ability to quickly produce nuclear fuel.
Experts say Iran tried to reinforce entrances before the strikes, possibly expecting the attack.
How Has Iran Responded?
Iran’s reaction has been mixed:
- Officials condemned the attack, calling it a “savage assault.”
- Some Iranian lawmakers claimed the damage was only superficial.
- But satellite images and independent analysts suggest real and deep damage, especially at Isfahan and Fordow.
Iran may be downplaying the impact to control public perception — a strategy they’ve used in the past.
What Experts Are Saying
- David Albright, from the Institute for Science and International Security, says the Fordow site may have suffered total destruction underground.
- International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi confirmed there was a “direct kinetic impact”, but more analysis is needed.
- Military analysts say the strikes were unusually precise, designed to punch through heavily fortified layers and cripple nuclear operations.
Bottom Line
The US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities appear to have caused serious, possibly long-term damage to Iran’s nuclear program. While Iranian officials have tried to minimize the situation, satellite images and expert analysis tell a different story.
This marks a significant shift in the already tense Middle East landscape and could have ripple effects on global security and diplomacy.
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