Iran Confirms Fordow Nuclear Site Severely Damaged in U.S.-Israel Airstrikes

Reported by Kokcha News Agency:
Iran has acknowledged that the Fordow nuclear enrichment facility suffered extensive damage following coordinated airstrikes by the United States and Israel. The attack, part of a broader operation targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, also impacted facilities in Isfahan and Natanz.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Speaks Out
On Wednesday, July 2, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told the Iranian Students’ News Agency (ISNA) that “serious and heavy” damage had been inflicted on the Fordow site. He admitted that the facility appears to be non-operational at present and that further investigations are underway.

“No one has a precise understanding of the current status of the Fordow site,” Araghchi said, adding that experts are still evaluating how long it might take to restore the facility, if at all. While Iran’s military establishment has remained silent, the Foreign Ministry has publicly acknowledged the damage.

U.S. Claims of Total Destruction
The United States has claimed that the Fordow facility was “completely destroyed,” though no independent verification has been released. Iran has not provided detailed technical assessments or images, leaving the extent of the damage unclear.

Fordow’s Strategic Importance
The Fordow enrichment plant, located near the holy city of Qom, has long been a concern for Western powers due to its fortified underground structure and advanced centrifuge systems. Built to withstand aerial bombardment, Fordow has played a central role in Iran’s uranium enrichment program.

Escalating Tensions
This latest escalation reflects growing tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel amid stalled negotiations over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. With Fordow reportedly out of operation and global reactions still unfolding, experts warn of potential ripple effects on regional security and diplomacy.