New Satellite Imagery Shows Unusual Activity at Iran’s Fordow Nuclear Site Ahead of Airstrikes
Published : 17:18, 30 June 2025
New satellite imagery has revealed significant vehicular movement and ongoing repair work at Fordow, a key underground uranium enrichment facility in Iran, shortly before and after recent U.S. and Israeli strikes. The images highlight multiple trucks and excavators near Fordow's tunnel entrance—a signal of either precautionary measures or potential relocation efforts ahead of the assaults.
Officials reported that these vehicles were active on June 19–20 and again after the strikes, suggesting both preparatory actions and immediate repair efforts.
The timing of the imagery is telling: U.S. B2 bombers deployed Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bunker-busting bombs on June 22 targeting Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—sites central to Iran’s uranium enrichment operations. Satellite views later revealed visible damage at these facilities, with crater-like gouges and structural collapse overhead—though subterranean centrifuge halls remain too deep for full damage confirmation.
Analysts remain divided over the trucks’ purpose: some believe Iran may have relocated enriched uranium prior to the attack, while Tehran insists that the vehicles and machinery served only to seal shafts and repair damage.
International nuclear watchdog IAEA reported “very significant” expected damage to centrifuge operations but has yet to conduct on-site inspections due to security constraints.
While Israel and the U.S. describe the strikes as devastating to Iran’s nuclear capabilities, a preliminary U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency assessment suggests the damage may have bought the international community only a few months—not years—of delay, especially if Iran successfully evacuated materials.
The presence of ongoing repair work post-strike indicates Iran is intent on restoring operations swiftly—raising questions about whether significant nuclear material remains unaccounted for and potentially dispersed to alternative, undisclosed sites.
Source: BBC News
BD/O
