Following U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s Fordo nuclear site, satellite images show significant activity as Iranian forces appear to be assessing damage but not undertaking repairs. Experts observe the initial construction of roads and other equipment utilization emphasizing evaluation efforts.
Satellite Images Reveal Iran’s Response to U.S. Strikes on Fordo Nuclear Facility
Satellite Images Reveal Iran’s Response to U.S. Strikes on Fordo Nuclear Facility
Post-attack activity at Iran’s Fordo nuclear enrichment site is captured in satellite imagery, indicating assessment rather than repairs following U.S. airstrikes.
Satellite imagery taken shortly after U.S. strikes on Iran's Fordo nuclear enrichment facility reveals significant activity at the site, suggesting a focused assessment rather than immediate repair efforts. Images captured by Maxar Technologies indicate new roads constructed leading to key impact zones, with visible machinery such as cranes and excavators at work.
Experts like Joseph S. Bermudez, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, noted that the visible activity reflects an effort on Iran's part to evaluate the extent of the damage caused by the airstrikes. On June 22, American B-2 bombers dropped 12 Massive Ordnance Penetrators on the facility, with President Trump asserting that the site was "obliterated." However, experts caution that the situation may be more nuanced.
Specialists have commented on the imagery, with Peter McDonald of Viper Applied Science indicating that while the Iranians are evaluating damage, there is no conclusive evidence of a rush to repair or restore the facility to full operational capacity. This implies a strategic analysis phase following the strikes rather than a swift return to nuclear activity.
Additionally, following U.S. attacks, Israel reported strikes targeting access routes to Fordo, complicating the facility's recovery efforts. By June 27, imagery indicated that Iran began filling in a crater left by Israeli actions, though broader repair activities to the enrichment facility itself remain unobservable at this time.
In conclusion, while initial assessments suggest a significant review of the Fordo site post-strikes, there currently appear to be no substantial moves toward physical repairs or reactivation of operations within the facility.
