Satellite imagery reveals extensive surface damage at Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility following U.S. strikes, but experts caution that the deeply buried centrifuge halls may remain partially intact—fueling fears that Iran’s nuclear program could soon be taken entirely underground.

Fordow Suffers Heavy Surface Strikes

The U.S. Air Force deployed B-2 bombers to drop 14 GBU-57/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bombs on Fordow, located deep within a mountain near Qom. Satellite photos captured six impact holes on the mountain surface, with visible dust and ground disturbance.

Experts including David Albright, a former U.N. nuclear inspector, said the site was likely “toast.” Yet analysts such as Decker Eveleth emphasized that the facility’s critical centrifuge halls lie too deep to confirm full destruction via imagery alone.

Iran had strategically buried its facilities to withstand such attacks—prompting ongoing doubts about whether the program has been effectively neutralized.

Iran May Have Evacuated Nuclear Material

“Unusual activity” at Fordow before the attack was spotted in commercial satellite imagery. A line of vehicles was seen outside the entrance days prior, leading experts to believe Iran may have relocated most of its near weapons-grade uranium stockpile in advance. A senior Iranian source confirmed to Reuters that material had been moved.

This strategic move, if verified, raises alarm that Iran retains the means to restart enrichment elsewhere—and possibly under the radar of international inspectors.

U.S. Hits Multiple Nuclear Sites; Effectiveness in Question

In addition to Fordow, the Operation Midnight Hammer targeted Natanz and Isfahan, two of Iran’s most important nuclear locations. Satellite imagery and U.S. intelligence suggest significant damage to enrichment infrastructure, although experts question the penetration capability of cruise missiles used at Isfahan’s tunnel complex.

U.S. General Dan Caine said assessments indicated “extremely severe” damage but refrained from confirming whether core infrastructure remained functional.

Iran Threatens Treaty Withdrawal, Oversight Risks Grow

In response to the attacks, Iran’s parliament is pushing for withdrawal from the 1970 Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which could end cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Such a move would eliminate remaining international visibility over Tehran’s nuclear activities.

“The world is going to be in the dark about what Iran may be doing,” warned Daryl Kimball of the Arms Control Association.

Jeffrey Lewis of the Middlebury Institute echoed the concern: “You can’t confidently do anything but set back their nuclear program by maybe a few years. There are almost certainly facilities we don’t know about.”