Israel has yet to target Iran’s Fordo nuclear facility, even as tensions continue to escalate. While Iran has two known underground nuclear enrichment sites, the Natanz facility, which Israel attacked recently, and Fordo, the latter has long been regarded as particularly concerning for international monitors.
Nestled within a mountainous region, Fordo is believed to be the site of Iran’s covert efforts to develop nuclear weapons. Despite U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s assertion in March that American intelligence agencies did not believe Iran was constructing a nuclear weapon, Israel’s military has disputed this.
Following the initiation of its attack on Iran, Israeli officials claimed that information regarding Iranian nuclear advancements was outdated and that Iran was “racing towards a nuclear bomb.” Brigadier General Effie Defrin of the Israel Defense Forces stated that intelligence indicated Iran had established a secret program with senior nuclear scientists conducting experiments necessary for building nuclear arms.
Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes, consistently denying any intent to develop weapons. However, if Israel’s claims hold merit, Fordo would play a vital role in any potential nuclear weapons capability, given the decades of analysis underscoring the site’s significance.
Israel recently targeted Natanz, the only other known facility with substantial uranium enrichment in Iran, causing damage. However, the activities at Fordo, particularly following the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear deal, have gone largely unverified.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently declared Iran non-compliant with monitoring efforts for the first time in two decades, indicating mounting concern over the lack of transparency regarding Iran’s nuclear activities. Experts emphasize that Fordo’s concealed location, substantial size, and advanced machinery raise alarms about its intentions.
In particular, the installation of advanced centrifuges capable of rapidly enriching uranium heightens the threat level. Recent findings of uranium particles enriched to nearly 84% purity at Fordo, close to the level required for nuclear weapons, further underscore the urgency surrounding this facility and the broader implications for regional security.