The Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, concealed within the mountains near Qom, Iran, is a heavily guarded facility that has sparked speculation since its revelation in 2009. Recent satellite images show its complex, featuring five tunnels, extensive support structures, and robust security measures. Much of the insight into Fordow stems from Iranian documents pilfered by Israeli intelligence, indicating ongoing concerns regarding its operations.
Located approximately 80 to 90 metres underground, Fordow is designed to withstand aerial attacks, rendering it a formidable challenge for any airstrike. Some experts now worry that following a series of Israeli airstrikes, Iran may accelerate its uranium enrichment efforts at this site, possibly aiming for weapons-grade capabilities.
Iran insists that its nuclear ambitions are solely peaceful, though many, including former US President Barack Obama, have raised doubts about the facility’s true intent. Just before Fordow was publicly acknowledged, Iran notified the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) about plans for further nuclear development, despite the site being operational for years.
Construction on Fordow reportedly began in the early 2000s as part of Iran’s clandestine nuclear weapons programme. By 2009, significant infrastructure was in place, prompting Tehran to state that the underground location was a defensive measure against military threats.
The facility’s threat level was somewhat mitigated by the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which mandated the removal of a significant portion of its centrifuges. However, following the US withdrawal from the agreement in 2018, Iran resumed its enrichment activities, increasing the uranium enrichment levels to 60%. Recent IAEA reports indicate around 2,700 centrifuges are currently operational at Fordow.
Israeli officials have underscored the urgency of addressing Fordow, suggesting that its potential to produce weapons-grade uranium poses an escalating risk. Israel’s intelligence has unveiled that Fordow was initially intended to enable the production of uranium for potential nuclear warheads. There are concerns that Iran could quickly transition its enrichments into military-grade material.
Given Fordow’s fortified structure, airstrikes, especially from Israeli forces, would be exceedingly difficult, as acknowledged by military analysts. It is suggested that only the United States could deploy the necessary weaponry to penetrate its depths. Israeli leaders stress the need to explore alternative methods of mitigating the threat posed by Fordow, like disrupting its electrical supply and facilities.
Despite the significant role Fordow plays in Iran’s nuclear programme, experts caution that dismantling it wouldn’t eliminate Iran’s nuclear capabilities, as peripheral facilities and unmonitored centrifuges may still exist. In summary, while Fordow remains a focal point for international concern regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, the broader context of Iran’s enriched uranium infrastructure must also be considered.