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First Post
2 hours ago
- Science
- First Post
Latest satellite images confirm Iran now expanding its Fordow site after US bombings
Signs of 'fresh earth movement,' including new access roads and clusters of crater zones are visible at the Fordow site read more Latest satellite images show Iran might be working to expand the Fordow nuclear facility days after the site was targeted by US B-2 stealth bombers. Images released by Maxar Technologies reveal that heavy machinery has been moved into the site, and signs of additional earthwork are visible. There are signs that tunnel entrances may have been deliberately sealed off before the US bombers dropped Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs) on the underground site. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Fordow was among the three nuclear sites that US bombers targeted overnight on June 21–22 under Operation Midnight Hammer. Now, signs of 'fresh earth movement,' including new access roads and clusters of crater zones are visible at the Fordow site. Significance The US administration has claimed that the bombings ' obliterated ' the underground facility at Fordow; however, satellite images indicate Iran may have already moved enriched uranium 'to a safe location'. An analysis by the Open Source Centre in London also suggested that visuals show that Iran may have been preparing the site for a strike. However, it is unclear exactly what, if anything, was removed from the facility. What do the new images reveal? In recent imagery, earth-moving equipment is visible near the northern tunnel complex. Bulldozers are shifting soil around a ridgeline crater, with new access paths evident. Imagery from June 19-20 showed several bulldozers and trucks near the tunnel entrance, likely part of an effort to block or reinforce access points. In the new images, the entrances appear filled with dirt, and debris from MOP impacts is noticeable in several areas. Can Iran still build a nuclear bomb? With the high probability that Iran has moved its stockpile of enriched uranium elsewhere, there are chances that the nation could build a nuclear weapon. However, Ronen Solomon, an Israeli intelligence analyst, told The Telegraph that even if Iran had moved its uranium, it would be 'like having fuel without a car', adding: 'They have the uranium, but they can't do a lot with it unless they have built something we don't know about on a small scale.'
Express Tribune
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
'Pakistan follows independent policy'
Pakistan may have good relations with the United States but that does not mean Islamabad would support Washington's actions that it deems not right, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said here on Friday, dispelling the impression that Pakistan would follow the US policy on all issues. Speaking at a news conference, Dar said there were speculations that Pakistan would not take a clear stance against the United States after it bombed three nuclear sites of Iran. But Pakistan, Dar said, issued a statement taking a firm position against such strikes. He emphasised that having good relations with the U.S. does not mean supporting them when they are in the wrong. The Trump Administration abandoned the 45-year-old policy of the United States not to launch a direct strike on Iran when it sent B-2 bombers and targeted nuclear facilities through bunker buster bombs. Pakistan condemned the US strikes and said Iran had the right to respond to such attacks. "We were aware that Iran would not remain silent without retaliating. In response, Iran targeted the US base in Qatar. Iran has now come out of this crisis with dignity after taking its revenge. The ceasefire between Iran and Israel is still holding," Dar continued. He further said that Iran appreciated Pakistan's efforts at the UN Security Council and expressed gratitude in its Parliament. During the Iranian President's address, the Parliament echoed with chants of "Thanks to Pakistan." In the background, Pakistan was extending full political support to Iran to ensure it wasn't isolated or undermined in this crisis. Dar added that particularly when the U.S. attacked Iran and Pakistan's Army Chief was returning to the country, upon Pakistan's suggestion, he stopped in Istanbul. A meeting had already been confirmed with President Erdogan. The meeting included the Field Marshal, the Foreign Minister (Dar), and Pakistan's ambassador. On the Turkish side were President Erdogan, the Turkish Foreign Minister, the intelligence chief, and senior members of the leadership. The focus of the meeting was the Iran issue. According to Dar, Iran informed Pakistan that although it was peaceful and not in favor of developing nuclear weapons, it would not refrain from responding to the US strike. Iran coordinated with Qatar before launching its retaliatory attack on the US airbase located there. The Foreign Minister also highlighted that, thanks to Pakistan's initiative, a meeting of the OIC Contact Group on Occupied Kashmir was also convened. He recalled that Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey were the founding members of RCD (Regional Cooperation for Development), which was later expanded into ECO (Economic Cooperation Organization). To a question, Dar said Pakistan would not request or ask anyone to persuade India to start talks with Pakistan. "We are not begging for talks. We are not asking anyone to persuade India to talk to us," he explained. The Foreign Minister said Pakistan was not shy away from holding talks with India. The Indian Foreign Minister said New Delhi would only engage with Pakistan on the issue of terrorism, Dar said adding that Pakistan was ready to discuss the issue of terrorism as well as Kashmir and Indus Waters Treaty. "There are 200 countries and I am sure Pakistan and India can find a suitable venue for talks," he said.
Newsweek
9 hours ago
- Newsweek
New Satellite Imagery Shows Iran Expanding Work at Fordow Nuclear Site
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. New satellite imagery captured on Friday shows intensified construction and excavation activity at Iran's Fordow nuclear facility, days after U.S. B-2 stealth bombers dropped Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs) on the underground site. The latest images, captured by Maxar Technologies, reveal heavy machinery still in place, additional earthwork and signs that tunnel entrances may have been deliberately sealed off before the strikes. The Fordow site, buried inside a mountain 60 miles south of Tehran, was among three Iranian nuclear sites targeted during Operation Midnight Hammer, launched overnight on June 21–22. Based on the pictures, the facility now shows signs of "fresh earth movement," including new access roads and clusters of crater zones, particularly near key tunnel entrances. Why It Matters While initial U.S. assessments described the bombing damage as "extremely severe," the updated satellite photos suggest Iran may have acted preemptively to secure sensitive components. Iranian state media reported that nuclear sites had been evacuated and that enriched uranium was moved "to a safe location" ahead of the strikes. International observers have expressed concern about Iran's production of highly enriched uranium at Fordow, though it remains unclear how much remained at the site during the bombing. Analysts say sealing the tunnels with dirt could have shielded underground assets or served to limit post-strike assessments. What To Know In the new imagery, earth-moving equipment can be seen operating near the northern tunnel complex. Bulldozers are repositioning dirt around one of the ridgeline craters, and newly formed access paths are visible. Wide view of Fordow enrichment complex showing recent excavation patterns and a trail of disturbed soil, indicating active recovery efforts. Wide view of Fordow enrichment complex showing recent excavation patterns and a trail of disturbed soil, indicating active recovery efforts. Maxar Technologies Earlier imagery from June 19 and 20 shows multiple bulldozers and trucks positioned near the tunnel entrance. Observers now believe this was part of a coordinated effort to block or reinforce access points. The entrances appear filled with dirt, and ejecta from MOP impacts is visible in multiple locations. Close-up showing excavators near the northern entrances to Fordow's underground complex. Close-up showing excavators near the northern entrances to Fordow's underground complex. Maxar Technologies Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on NBC's Meet the Press that intelligence suggests "a lot of 60 percent enriched uranium" had been buried deep at Fordow but acknowledged uncertainty. "We have to assume" it was still there, he said. Annotated satellite view showing dirt-filled tunnel entrances at Fordow, likely sealed before Operation Midnight Hammer. Annotated satellite view showing dirt-filled tunnel entrances at Fordow, likely sealed before Operation Midnight Hammer. Maxar Technologies Meanwhile, the Pentagon continues to evaluate the mission's effectiveness. "Our initial assessment is that all of our precision munitions struck where we wanted them to strike and had the desired effect," said Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. "Especially in Fordow, which was the primary target here, we believe we achieved destruction of capabilities there." New access roads and bulldozers are visible near crater zones left by U.S. MOP strikes. New access roads and bulldozers are visible near crater zones left by U.S. MOP strikes. Maxar Technologies As for the long-term status of Fordow's centrifuges, the IAEA said this week it believes they are "no longer operational," though experts say only on-site inspections or additional intelligence will reveal the true extent of the damage. For now, new imagery shows Iran actively working to either conceal or rehabilitate the site. What Happens Next Although President Trump has announced a ceasefire that has held through the week, Iranian state media and lawmakers have indicated that retaliation is still possible.
The Hill
12 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hill
A spectacular airstrike on Iran — and a sobering warning
The U.S. air attacks on Iran last Saturday — dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer — deserve an A+ for performance. It was a spectacular demonstration of what air and space power, when precisely planned and flawlessly executed, can achieve. It reminded the world that no military on Earth can match the reach, precision and lethality of the U.S. Air Force. But behind this extraordinary success lies a sobering truth: We may not be able to do it again. The mission itself was breathtaking in scope and complexity. More than 125 U.S. aircraft were involved. B-2 stealth bombers flew more than 7,000 miles one way — penetrating dense, defended airspace to deliver the first operational drop of GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators, 30,000-pound precision-guided weapons designed to destroy deeply buried targets like Iran's Fordo enrichment facility. These bombers had to operate in perfect synchronization with other U.S. assets providing tightly timed suppression of enemy air defenses, all while maintaining near-radio silence. And then they flew 7,000 miles back — nonstop — completing the mission in 37 hours. It was a masterclass in modern air warfare. Our airmen, planners, weapons officers and targeteers made the impossible look effortless. Yet what the American public didn't see was this: That one-day operation maxed out our available long-range stealth strike capability. The U.S. Air Force only fields 19 B-2 bombers, and they are more than 30 years old. Although the B-52 fleet remains a workhorse, it just turned 73 years old. Also, a good percentage of our GBU-57 bunker-buster stockpile was used in a single night. Put simply, we do not have the depth to do this kind of operation repeatedly, or at scale. This must be a wake-up call. Today, the U.S. Air Force is the oldest, the smallest and the least ready in its history. That's not an opinion — it's a fact and a strategic liability. Over 30 years of underinvestment in Air Force modernization and spares has left us dangerously thin in aircraft, munitions and trained crews. The Air Force today has over 2,600 aircraft — two-thirds of its force — made up of 10 different types that had their first flight over 50 years ago. It also has 60 percent fewer combat squadrons than it had in 1991 — the last time we fought a major regional conflict. Deterrence is predicated on the credibility of action — and credibility requires capacity. Today, America faces the greatest set of threats it has ever faced at the same time the Air Force is at its force-structure nadir. This is why Congress must significantly increase funding for Air Force modernization and expanded end-strength if we are serious about preparing for sustained conflict against peer adversaries and countering the other threats we face. President Trump deserves credit for reversing the previous administration's shortsighted cuts to the F-47 program — a vital next-generation capability. But more must follow. We need to accelerate and scale the B-21 Raider program. We need to dramatically grow our F-35 inventory — aircraft that proved pivotal in gaining air superiority over Iran. New types like Collaborative Combat Aircraft will also prove crucial. We need to build munitions stockpiles that can support more than a one-night raid. We need powerful enablers like modern aerial refuelers, and the E-7 command and control sensor aircraft. We need the airmen to fly, fix, connect and protect these aircraft. It comes down to ensuring our airmen have the aircraft and weapons to sustain air dominance and strategic strike — not just execute a flash of brilliance. The president needs options. Airpower gives him those options. No other domain — land, sea, cyber or space — can hold distant targets at risk across the globe on short notice, without putting thousands of troops in harm's way. Only the Air Force delivers global vigilance, global reach and global power with rapid response and scalable effects across the full spectrum of conflict. Operation Midnight Hammer proved what American airmen can do. Now it's time for Congress to prove that it understands what's at stake. America must not let this stunning success become a historical footnote because we failed to prepare for what comes next. August Pfluger represents Texas's 11th Congressional District and serves as a colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. David Deptula is a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant general.
Bangkok Post
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Pentagon chief backs Trump on success of Iran strikes
WASHINGTON - US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth insisted Thursday that American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites were a success, backing President Donald Trump and berating the media for covering an intelligence report that questioned the results of the operation. American B-2 bombers hit two Iranian nuclear sites with massive GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs last weekend, while a guided missile submarine struck a third site with Tomahawk cruise missiles. "President Trump created the conditions to end the war, decimating -- choose your word -- obliterating, destroying Iran's nuclear capabilities," Hegseth told journalists at the Pentagon, referring to a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran. Trump has called the strikes a "spectacular military success" and repeatedly said they "obliterated" the nuclear sites. On Thursday, he insisted that Iran did not manage to move nuclear materials -- including enriched uranium -- ahead of the US military action. "Nothing was taken out of facility. Would take too long, too dangerous, and very heavy and hard to move!" Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform. However, US media revealed a preliminary American intelligence assessment earlier this week that said the strikes only set back Iran's nuclear program by months -- coverage sharply criticised by Hegseth. "Whether it's fake news CNN, MSNBC or the New York Times, there's been fawning coverage of a preliminary assessment." The document was "leaked because someone had an agenda to try to muddy the waters and make it look like this historic strike wasn't successful," Hegseth said. Trump has also lashed out at coverage of the intelligence report, calling for journalists to lose their jobs. - 'Get a big shovel' - Hegseth did not definitively state that the enriched uranium and centrifuges at the heart of Iran's controversial nuclear program had been wiped out, but cited intelligence officials -- although giving little detail -- as saying the nuclear facilities were destroyed. "If you want to know what's going on at Fordo, you better go there and get a big shovel, because no one's under there right now," Hegseth said, referring to the deep-underground nuclear site. Among the officials cited by Hegseth was US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who said the previous day that "Iran's nuclear facilities have been destroyed." He also referred to a statement by CIA chief John Ratcliffe that said: "A body of credible intelligence indicates Iran's nuclear program has been severely damaged by the recent, targeted strikes." Ratcliffe pointed to a "historically reliable and accurate" source of information indicating that "several key Iranian nuclear facilities were destroyed and would have to be rebuilt over the course of years." International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi, speaking Thursday on French radio, meanwhile said Iran's uranium-enriching centrifuges had been knocked out. "Given power of these (bombs) and the characteristics of a centrifuge, we already know that these centrifuges are no longer operational," Grossi said. Israel launched an unprecedented air campaign targeting Iranian nuclear sites, scientists and top military brass on June 13 in a bid to end the country's nuclear program, which Tehran says is for civilian purposes but Washington and other powers insist is aimed at acquiring atomic weapons. Trump had spent weeks pursuing a diplomatic path to replace the nuclear deal with Tehran that he tore up during his first term in 2018, but he ultimately decided to take military action. The US operation was massive, involving more than 125 US aircraft including stealth bombers, fighters and aerial refueling tankers as well as a guided missile submarine.
