Updated Report: U.S. Attack on Key Nuclear Facilities in Iran (Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan)
In a historic escalation, the United States attacked three interconnected Iranian nuclear facilities (Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan) last night, as confirmed by President Donald Trump. These sites form an integrated system for enriching uranium, crucial for Iran’s nuclear program.
The attack, executed with GBU-57 “bunker-buster” bombs launched from B-2 stealth bombers, aimed to dismantle Iran’s nuclear production chain, after detecting uranium enrichment levels significantly exceeding the limits set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
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1. Fordow (Advanced Enrichment Plant)
– Purpose and Importance: A secret uranium enrichment center built inside a mountain near Qom (80-90 m deep). Originally designed to produce 20% enriched uranium, but in 2023 the IAEA found particles enriched to 83.7% (close to the 90% needed for nuclear weapons).
– Capabilities:
– Houses 2,700 IR-6 centrifuges (the most advanced in Iran).
– Produces 30-35 kg of 60% enriched uranium monthly, convertible into material for 9 nuclear bombs in 3 weeks.
– Attack on 06/22/2025:
– The U.S. launched “a full load of bombs” (GBU-57) from B-2, collapsing tunnels and ventilation systems. Trump claimed: “Fordow has disappeared.”
– Vulnerabilities: Only U.S. GBU-57 bombs can penetrate its structure. Without them, it was “almost indestructible.”
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2. Natanz (Main Uranium Enrichment Center)
– Purpose and Importance: Iran’s primary enrichment plant (responsible for 80% of its enriched uranium). Produced 60% enriched uranium, storing thousands of kg of highly enriched material.
– Capabilities:
– Thousands of centrifuges (IR-2m and IR-4 models) in underground halls.
– Stored 400 kg of 60% enriched uranium hexafluoride (UF6) (enough for 10 bombs), according to the IAEA (May 2025).
– Attack on 06/22/2025:
– The surface power plant and underground cooling system were destroyed. Radiological and chemical contamination detected internally (no external leaks).
– Underground centrifuges “severely damaged or destroyed” (IAEA).
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3. Isfahan (Uranium Conversion Center)
– Purpose and Importance: Key to the nuclear chain: converts natural uranium into uranium hexafluoride (UF6), a gas necessary to power centrifuges at Natanz and Fordow.
– Capabilities:
– Operates conversion plants, fuel production, and research reactors.
– Without UF6 from Isfahan, all enrichment stops.
– Attack on 06/22/2025:
– 4 buildings damaged (conversion plant, chemistry lab). Toxic materials released internally.
– No impacts on nearby research reactors.