The latest satellite images from after the June 22 U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s Fordo nuclear enrichment facility depict considerable activity at the heavily fortified site. Photographs taken days post-attack show new access roads constructed near where U.S. bombs impacted the mountain, along with an apparent crane and excavator observed working at one of these sites, as reported by Maxar Technologies.
Joseph S. Bermudez, a senior fellow for imagery analysis at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, indicated that the images suggest Iran is conducting assessments to gauge the extent of the strikes’ impact. "It appears that they’re evaluating the hole, evaluating how deep it went," Bermudez noted.
The airstrikes, executed by American B-2 bombers dropping 12 Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOABs) weighing 30,000 pounds, targeted the site, with President Trump claiming the facility was "obliterated." Conversely, different assessments have been more conservative regarding the damage inflicted.
Experts are interpreting the observed activity as an effort by Iran to evaluate the impact rather than engage in any substantial repair work. Peter McDonald, a director at Viper Applied Science, observed, "It looks to me like they’re examining the impact of the event rather than doing anything more substantial like carrying out repairs or recovery."
In the immediate aftermath, Israel claimed responsibility for attacks on the Fordo facility as well, targeting access routes. Reports indicate that by June 27, Iranian forces had already filled a large crater created by the strikes, suggesting a quick attempt at damage control.
Despite these activities, experts express skepticism over any real reconstruction efforts at the site. "I don’t think they’ve moved into the phase of reactivation," Bermudez stated, emphasizing the lack of evidence pointing towards significant repair operations, as fewer vehicles and types are present than would typically indicate repair work.
James Glanz contributed additional reporting to this developing story.
Joseph S. Bermudez, a senior fellow for imagery analysis at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, indicated that the images suggest Iran is conducting assessments to gauge the extent of the strikes’ impact. "It appears that they’re evaluating the hole, evaluating how deep it went," Bermudez noted.
The airstrikes, executed by American B-2 bombers dropping 12 Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOABs) weighing 30,000 pounds, targeted the site, with President Trump claiming the facility was "obliterated." Conversely, different assessments have been more conservative regarding the damage inflicted.
Experts are interpreting the observed activity as an effort by Iran to evaluate the impact rather than engage in any substantial repair work. Peter McDonald, a director at Viper Applied Science, observed, "It looks to me like they’re examining the impact of the event rather than doing anything more substantial like carrying out repairs or recovery."
In the immediate aftermath, Israel claimed responsibility for attacks on the Fordo facility as well, targeting access routes. Reports indicate that by June 27, Iranian forces had already filled a large crater created by the strikes, suggesting a quick attempt at damage control.
Despite these activities, experts express skepticism over any real reconstruction efforts at the site. "I don’t think they’ve moved into the phase of reactivation," Bermudez stated, emphasizing the lack of evidence pointing towards significant repair operations, as fewer vehicles and types are present than would typically indicate repair work.
James Glanz contributed additional reporting to this developing story.
