In the ongoing ten-day conflict between Israel and Iran, the United States has now taken a decisive role. On Sunday, the U.S. claimed it successfully struck Iran’s pivotal nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan with its bunker-buster bombs. U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the mission, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the U.S. for this action. The nuclear sites targeted are vital to Iran's nuclear agenda.
The Strike on Fordow Nuclear Site
Located some 60 miles southwest of Tehran, Fordow is considered Iran’s most secure nuclear facility. Nestled into the side of a mountain, it serves as Iran's uranium enrichment hub. It's equipped with Iran's most advanced centrifuges, long a goal for tangible U.S. targeting efforts. The strike has significantly hampered Iran’s nuclear trajectory, presenting a challenge they acknowledge, despite downplaying the subsequent damage.
This fortified facility houses centrifuge cascades for uranium enrichment and was built to withstand aerial attacks. Its clandestine construction began in 2007, with Iran publicly acknowledging it in 2009. Reportedly, the U.S. used six bunker-buster bombs, particularly the GBU-57 massive ordnance penetrator, to target Fordow's underground structure.
Read More: US Targets Iran's Key Nuclear Sites with Bunker Cluster Bombs
The Natanz nuclear facility was another focal target for the United States. Located approximately 135 miles southeast of Tehran, it is divided into two main parts: the Fuel Enrichment Plant and the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant. The former operates underground at five percent purity with roughly 14,000 reported centrifuges.
60% Enrichment at Natanz
The latter, the Pilot Plant, achieves up to 60% uranium enrichment, nearing the 90% threshold needed for nuclear weapons. This section is above ground and hosts hundreds of centrifuges. Natanz has been previously targeted multiple times, including through Stuxnet attacks and Israeli airstrikes, damaging its surface infrastructure and centrifuges.
Source: aajtak
Discover More: The Command Room Scenario During Strikes on Iran
Isfahan was the third critical Iranian nuclear site targeted by the U.S. This facility is a hub of nuclear conversion, transforming uranium yellowcake into uranium hexafluoride (UF6) gas for enrichment at other nuclear sites. The Natanz facility is also located in the Isfahan province, alongside Iran's main missile development and research center.
Isfahan is often referred to as the home of thousands of nuclear scientists. It also features research labs and research reactors developed with Chinese assistance. Israeli forces have previously targeted buildings in Isfahan, including a uranium conversion facility. Current operations have reported no radiation leakage.
The Progression of Iran’s Nuclear Program
Iran has faced accusations from the U.S. and Israel of advancing towards nuclear weapons. However, Iran maintains its program is solely for energy needs, adhering to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. From its inception, Iran's nuclear advancements have evolved substantially.
1958: Iran joins the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
1967: Under a peaceful program, the U.S. provides a research reactor to Iran.
1970: Iran ratifies the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
1979: The Islamic revolution establishes an anti-Western Islamist government.
1984: The U.S. labels Iran as a terrorism-supporting state, imposing sanctions.
2000: IAEA reports Iran's non-compliance to the UN, prompting early uranium enrichment and subsequent UN nuclear sanctions.
2002: Secret sites near Natanz and Arak were uncovered.
2003: Iran's supreme leader issues a fatwa banning nuclear weapon development.
2009: Discovery of the secret Fordow site near Qom.
2010: The UN extended sanctions to include missile restrictions.
2013: An initial nuclear deal was agreed upon between Iran and world powers (P5+1).
2015: Adoption of JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action).
2016: IAEA confirmed Iran's compliance, easing international sanctions.
2018: The U.S. withdrew from the nuclear deal; Iran continued adherence initially.
2019: Iran announced discontinuing adherence to deal's restrictions.
2020: Iran revealed its military-led space program.
2021: Talks resumed on restoring the nuclear deal.
2022: U.S.-Iran talks stalled, Iran expanded enrichment activities.
2025: U.S. and Iran announced new nuclear talks, later canceled by Iran following Israeli attacks.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, in his post-strike statement, accused the U.S. of violating the UN Charter and international law by attacking a sovereign nation. He emphasized Iran's right to defend itself and explore all response options.
