In a dramatic escalation of military action, US President Donald Trump authorised strikes on Iran’s critical nuclear facilities after initially attempting diplomatic solutions. The US targeted three key sites, claiming to have “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Iranian officials, however, characterised the impact of the strikes as minimal, similar to their response to previous attacks.
Satellite imagery has started to surface, revealing the damage inflicted during the overnight operation. Among the sites targeted, Fordow, Iran’s most secure and vital nuclear enrichment facility, was heavily bombed. This subterranean site poses a significant challenge for strikes due to its location deep within a mountain. The US deployed advanced B-2 bombers armed with 12 bunker-busting GBU-57 bombs, specifically designed for penetrating reinforced structures. Analysis from Maxar confirmed the presence of at least six substantial impact craters at Fordow, indicating considerable damage.
Rafael Grossi, the director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), acknowledged a “direct kinetic impact” at Fordow but asserted it was premature to determine the extent of internal damage. Other experts, like David Albright from the Institute for Science and International Security, suggested that extensive damage to the enrichment halls may likely exist, with the possibility of total destruction in some areas.
Further scrutiny of satellite images also revealed significant changes to the facility’s surroundings, with evidence suggesting multiple entry points into the site, consistent with an attack designed to penetrate deeply buried targets. Meanwhile, Iranian leadership downplayed the severity of the damages, though previous strikes had similarly prompted Iranian minimisation of impacts, contradicting later satellite-derived assessments.
In addition to Fordow, the US targeted the Natanz site—another key nuclear facility that had previously faced assaults. CNN’s analysis indicated that both above-ground and underground structures at Natanz were affected, as evidenced by new craters in the vicinity.
Moreover, Isfahan, the largest hub of Iranian nuclear research, was also struck, with considerable destruction evident in satellite imagery, showcasing numerous damaged structures. Albright noted that potential attacks on tunnel complexes at Isfahan could imply US efforts to eliminate stores of enriched uranium.
General Dan Caine of the Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the use of Tomahawk cruise missiles during the operation, indicating a comprehensive effort to disrupt Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The overall extent of impact across these various sites remains under investigation, with ongoing assessments expected as more information becomes available.
The situation represents a significant turning point in the tense US-Iran relationship, embodying a stark shift from diplomacy to military engagement in addressing nuclear proliferation concerns.