Beneath the scenic valleys, amidst lush mountains and hidden within rock-solid layers, lies Iran's most clandestine nuclear facility, the Fordo Plant. Shielded by almost 300 feet of solid rock, this nuclear site remains impervious to Israeli attempts at destruction. During 'Operation Rising Lion,' Israel inflicted significant damage on Iran's Natanz nuclear site. The Israeli raid there destroyed 15,000 centrifuges. Yet, their assault on Fordo caused limited harm, according to the IAEA.
Currently, Israel lacks the complete capacity to obliterate Fordo. Without neutralizing this plant, Israel cannot strip Iran of its nuclear prowess. To fulfill this goal, Israel looks to the U.S. for GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs and B-2 bombers. This request could pull the U.S. directly into the Iran-Israel conflict, a move Iran warns could necessitate coffins for American soldiers.
Exploring Iran's Impenetrable Nuclear Site Fordo
CNN reports show a fortress among mountains—a network of five tunnels supported by a large structure and extensive security perimeter. Satellite images reveal only this much about Iran's secretive Fordo Fuel Enrichment Plant (FFEP).
All subsequent features dwell within tunnels hidden in these mountains.
First disclosed in 2009 by Western intelligence, Fordo is a covert, heavily-secured complex near the religious city of Qom, 30 kilometers to the northeast. It extends about 80-90 meters (roughly 300 feet) deep within the mountains.
Source: aajtak
Its geographical situation provides natural and man-made protection, nearly invincible against aerial assaults and conventional bombings.
Most insights about Fordo stem from years-old Iranian documents that Israeli intelligence reportedly purloined.
The main hall dives 80-90 meters (about 262-295 feet) underground. Its position shields it from any airborne bombs Israel possesses, making aerial annihilation a formidable challenge.
Some analysts argue that Fordo is where Iran rushes its enriched uranium stockpile into nuclear bombs. Western spy agencies suspect that should Iran embark on crafting nuclear arms, Fordo would be pivotal. Its secrecy and security render it a significant threat to both Israel and the U.S.
Source: aajtak
Experts believe Fordo houses advanced centrifuges, enriching uranium to 60% purity. For nuclear arms, uranium needs 90% purity, and Fordo has breached the 60% threshold. Should Fordo ramp up its capabilities, it could manufacture nuclear weapons.
This makes Western nations and the Israel-U.S. alliance view it with high risk.
America’s Capacity to Dismantle Fordo
Israel cannot compromise Fordo Nuclear Plant, but the U.S. has the power. However, America remains out of this conflict, as per CBS News, contemplating entry into this war scenario. CBS News cites U.S. intelligence and defense sources, indicating preparations to intervene, with Fordo as a key target.
The Massive Ordnance Penetrator GBU-57
American defense scientists crafted a bunker-buster bomb, specializing in destroying deeply buried bunkers. Dubbed the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), the U.S. has named it GBU-57.
Experts claim the GBU-57 is America's most formidable non-nuclear bomber, tailored to obliterate deeply embedded, heavily fortified enemy shelters.
The Washington Post notes that the American bunker-buster weighs 13,600 kilos. Even during its initial development phase, it could penetrate 200 feet into the earth to obliterate targets. Increased capabilities now guide it precisely to its mark via GPS.
This bomb employs a solid steel alloy, crafted to pierce hard layers before detonation.
Bunker buster GBU-57 calls for specific aircraft for deployment. Only the B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber can deliver and deploy the MOP, with the U.S. maintaining a fleet of 19. These B-2 aircraft enable long-range missions with aerial refueling abilities. As of yet, it hasn't been used in real combat.
Challenges in Disarming Fordo’s Nuclear Capabilities
America and Israel face multiple hurdles in depriving Iran of Fordo's nuclear prowess. An American assault on sites like Fordo could raise nuclear radiation risks, impacting Middle East stability.
Additionally, Iran warns that should America engage in this conflict, it will target American establishments in Western Asia. Iran has sternly threatened America with 50,000 coffins for its soldiers if an assault occurs, bearing in mind that 40,000 American troops are stationed across various Middle East countries.
Iran is poised to retaliate with its ballistic missiles and has issued warnings about leveraging its proxy network, such as those in Syria and Lebanon. Such developments pose a complicated challenge for America and its allies, particularly Israel.
