In a significant escalation of the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, US forces have targeted three key Iranian nuclear and military sites: Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. President Donald Trump characterised the strikes, particularly on Fordow, as “very successful.” The Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran confirmed that all three locations came under attack early on Sunday.
This development follows Israel’s recent offensive on June 13, aimed at neutralising what it perceived as an imminent threat from Iran’s purported nuclear ambitions. While Iran continually asserts its nuclear programme is solely for peaceful purposes, it has responded to these aggressions with missile and drone strikes against Israel. The continued conflict seems to have undermined potential diplomatic discussions, which had aimed to ease US economic sanctions on Iran in exchange for limiting its uranium enrichment.
Previously, the US had supported Israel by intercepting Iranian attacks but had refrained from direct military involvement against Iran until now. This new military action by the US marks a pivotal shift in its approach to the conflict.
The Natanz facility, approximately 220 km southeast of Tehran, serves as Iran’s primary enrichment site and has previously been targeted in Israeli airstrikes. Prior to the attacks, uranium at Natanz had been enriched to nearly weapons-grade levels. The underground components of the facility are designed to withstand airstrikes, reinforcing its strategic importance in Iran’s nuclear programme.
The Fordow enrichment facility, situated 100 km southwest of Tehran, is another critical site, constructed under a mountain and equipped with anti-aircraft defences to shield it from potential strikes. Legal experts have indicated that special “bunker buster” bombs would be necessary to effectively target this facility, highlighting the complexity and seriousness of military operations against it.
The Isfahan Nuclear Technology Centre, located about 350 km southeast of Tehran, plays a vital role in Iran’s nuclear research, employing thousands of scientists. It also houses several research reactors and has been targeted by Israeli airstrikes in the past.
Despite these attacks, Iran still operates other nuclear sites that were not hit during the US strikes. Among these is the Bushehr facility, which relies on Russian-supplied fuel and is monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as well as the Arak heavy water reactor known for its potential to produce plutonium.
The fragile state of affairs highlights the precarious balance of power in the region, as ongoing tensions and military actions overshadow possibilities for diplomatic resolutions. The situation remains fluid, with both sides likely to continue their military strategies in this high-stakes geopolitical chess game.