New satellite imagery reveals extensive, previously unseen destruction at Iran's Fordo and Isfahan nuclear facilities following recent US and Israeli strikes, raising questions about long-term repair prospects.
Fordo Suffers Critical Access Route Damage:
High-resolution images from Maxar Technologies, captured June 24th, show significant new damage at Iran's underground Fordo enrichment facility beyond the six large craters created by US bunker-buster bombs on June 22nd. Following Israel's strike on June 23rd, new craters now scar key access roads leading to tunnel entrances at the facility's north-west, south, and western edges. A previously intact installation north of Fordo appears destroyed, surrounded by blast craters and widespread grey dust. Analysts believe the grey dust indicates severe subsurface damage. Trevor Lawrence, an explosion effects expert at Cranfield University, stated such detonations "would cause significant blast damage to underground structures," adding that "significant damage is very unlikely to be repaired in the short term, if at all," due to the site's complexity.
Isfahan Tunnel Entrances Hit:
Satellite photos also uncover new damage to tunnel entrances at Iran's sprawling Isfahan Nuclear Technology Centre, home to a vital uranium conversion facility. Images show clear damage to one tunnel entrance at the complex's northern tip near the mountainside, with additional damage visible at two other entrances. While analysts from intelligence firm Maiar assessed "moderate" structural damage, noting scorching but limited concrete damage or earth caving, experts debate the severity. Mark Cancian (CSIS) suggested one entrance shows signs of an "internal explosion and fire," which "would take years to repair," while others might be cleared faster if damage is primarily external debris. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio strongly defended the strikes' efficacy, declaring the uranium conversion building was effectively "gone… wiped out."
Natanz: Swift Cover-Up Operation:
Satellite imagery of Iran's primary enrichment site at Natanz reveals rapid remediation efforts. Pictures from June 22nd showed two distinct craters above suspected underground centrifuge halls after US strikes. By June 24th, new images show these craters have already been covered with dirt. David Albright (ISIS) likened this to "what you do if you have a hole in your roof," suggesting Iran aims for quick protection against potential follow-on strikes on the same location.
Wider Strike Damage Confirmed:
Beyond the nuclear sites, satellite evidence confirms strikes hit other locations:
Mehrabad Airport (Tehran): Images show damaged structures south of the runway and a completely destroyed warehouse west of the runway in an area housing aerospace companies linked to Iran's defence industry. Israel shared footage targeting F-14 Tomcat jets here.
Shahid Rajaee University (Tehran): Multiple large buildings near the campus in Lavizan show extensive damage with scattered debris, corroborating videos of Israeli strikes on the area.
Despite the visible destruction, the crucial question of whether Iran's existing stockpiles of enriched uranium (60%, 20%, 3-5%) survived remains unanswered by the imagery. Albright asserted, "Israel's and US attacks have effectively destroyed Iran's centrifuge enrichment program," adding recovery would take "a long time." However, he cautioned that surviving uranium stocks and unused centrifuges "pose a threat as they can be used in the future to produce weapon-grade uranium." Iran maintains its nuclear program is peaceful.
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