Key Facts
• Fordow nuclear facility is located 200 km south of Tehran in a mountainous area.
• Enrichment occurs 80–90 meters underground, making airstrikes highly challenging.
• In 2015, Fordow was converted into a research facility under a nuclear deal.
• 1,044 centrifuges remained operational without uranium use under the agreement.
• The U.S. withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018 under President Trump.
• Iran resumed uranium enrichment at Fordow in 2019, exceeding 3.67% to 60%.
• In 2023, uranium particles enriched to 83.7% were detected, nearing weapons-grade.
• Israel seeks U.S. military support to neutralize Fordow, citing its robust defenses.
• Potential strategies include bunker-buster bombs, cyberattacks, and sabotage.
• The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported damage to other Iranian facilities but confirmed Fordow remains intact.
• Israel’s National Security Advisor stated operations will continue until Fordow is targeted.
Summary
Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility, a key uranium enrichment site, is located deep underground, making it highly resistant to airstrikes. Initially converted into a research facility under a 2015 nuclear deal, Fordow resumed enrichment activities after the U.S. withdrew from the agreement in 2018. By 2023, uranium enrichment levels reached 83.7%, close to weapons-grade. Israel views Fordow as a critical target and seeks U.S. military support to neutralize it, employing strategies like bunker-buster bombs and cyberattacks. Despite damage to other Iranian nuclear sites, Fordow remains undamaged, with Israel vowing to continue operations until it is struck.
