Scars of strikes: Iran begins repairs at Fordow nuclear site, new satellite images reveal
This handout satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies
A few days after back-to-back US and Israeli strikes, Iran's most fortified nuclear site seems to be busy as fresh satellite images reveal extensive surface damage and ongoing reconstruction.
US and Israel have claimed that Fordow nuclear site, which is embedded deep within a mountain near Qom, suffered major damage, and fresh images hint at both the intensity of the assault and Tehran's urgency to recover.
The images shared by Maxar Technologies captured construction crews with excavators and bulldozers working near the northern shaft of the complex. Vehicles were seen repairing damaged access roads, and a crane appeared to be operating directly above the main entrance.
Satellite visuals also captured burnt marks, scattered debris, and multiple impact craters at a separate facility located north of Fordow.
This handout satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies and dated June 29, 2025 shows an overview of the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant (FFEP) complex, about 30 kilometres north of Qom in central Iran. (Pic credit: AFP)
Earlier on June 22, US dropped "bunker buster" bombs targeting Iran's nuclear program at the underground stronghold that houses advanced centrifuges. The next day, Israel continued that attack striking access routes in what officials described as a calculated bid to cripple Iran's nuclear momentum.
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'Very, very, very considerable damage'
Speaking to Radio France Internationale, UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi confirmed that the centrifuges at Fordow are "no longer operational." He added that "enormous" destruction was inflicted by the strikes.
This handout satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies and dated June 29, 2025 shows a close view of activity at the ventilation shaft at the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant (FFEP) complex, about 30 kilometres north of Qom in central Iran. (Pic credit: AFP)
Meanwhile, an internal DIA report flagged "low confidence" that Iran's nuclear program had been permanently set back, but top US officials quickly circled the wagons. CIA director John Radcliffe and director of national intelligence Tulsi Gabbard dismissed the DIA leak, saying that Iran's capabilities had been "severely damaged."
US President Donald Trump entered and declared that three nuclear sites in Iran: Fordow, Nataz, and Isfahan, were "obliterated" and accused mainstream media of undermining military success. "The Fake News should fire everyone involved in this Witch Hunt," he wrote on social media, directing particular anger at The New York Times and CNN for reporting the leaked preliminary assessment.
This handout satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies and dated June 29, 2025 shows a view of tunnel entrances at the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant (FFEP) complex, about 30 kilometres north of Qom in central Iran. (Pic credit: AFP)
Tehran acknowledged the attacks but maintains that its nuclear program is peaceful.
Meanwhile, it was claimed that there had been no nuclear fallout or contamination from the Fordow strike.
Interestingly, before and after images revealed that construction equipment was already present above Fordow in the hours before the bombs fell. The images suggested that Iran may have been moving materials or attempting to reinforce the facility. Unmarked vehicles were spotted leaving the site, possibly transporting sensitive contents to a secondary location half a mile away.
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