Obliterated? Damaged? Inoperable? What’s known about Iran’s nuclear facilities : NPR

Following almost two weeks of airstrikes by American and Israeli forces, the impact on Iran’s nuclear program is evident. A leaked Defense Intelligence Agency report suggests minimal damage to one site, while the CIA chief claims severe damage to Iran’s overall nuclear program. President Trump, on the other hand, insists the program has been completely eliminated.

“It’s called obliteration,” Trump stated at a press conference in the Hague. “No other military could have accomplished it, and this display of American strength has set the stage for peace.”

Here’s an overview of Iran’s four primary nuclear sites and their current status.

Fordo

Located deep underground, the Fordo fuel enrichment facility was heavily fortified and housed thousands of centrifuges enriching uranium. American military strategists had extensively planned for a strike on Fordo, culminating in the deployment of the Massive Ordnance Penetrator bomb by B-2 Spirit bombers. The success of the strike remains a topic of debate among experts.

While some believe Fordo was significantly damaged, others suggest the extent of the destruction may be challenging to ascertain without direct inspection.

The Pentagon’s development of bunker-busting weapons like the Massive Ordnance Penetrator underscores the difficulty of targeting deeply buried facilities like Fordo. The aftermath of the strike has led to conflicting assessments of the facility’s operational status.

Despite differing opinions, experts agree that a comprehensive agreement is necessary to ensure the long-term cessation of Iran’s nuclear program.

“To achieve a sustainable solution, cooperation and ongoing monitoring are essential,” emphasized Christopher Ford, a former Assistant Undersecretary of State for nonproliferation.