A fresh Israeli airstrike has hit Iran’s underground Fordow nuclear enrichment facility for a second time, intensifying regional tensions and threatening a broader Middle East conflagration.
At a Glance
- Iranian state TV reported that Israel struck Fordow again on June 23, 2025
- The strike reportedly targeted access routes designed to block entry to the facility
- The attack followed U.S. airstrikes on June 22 that hit Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan with bunker-busters and Tomahawk missiles
- Satellite and IAEA analysis suggests Fordow’s deep underground structure remains partially intact, though entrances and infrastructure show significant damage
- This marks a new escalation involving both Israeli and U.S. forces aimed at stalling Iran’s nuclear progress—and may shift the balance of regional deterrence
Strikes by U.S. and Israel Surround Fordow
On June 22, U.S. B‑2 stealth bombers and submarine-launched Tomahawks struck Iran’s three main nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—in a mission dubbed “Operation Midnight Hammer.” President Trump stated these strikes caused “extremely severe damage” to Fordow and “obliterated” its enrichment capacity, according to The Guardian. Satellite images published by Wall Street Journal confirm deep-penetration bunker-busters reached the underground facility, although centrifuge halls within the mountain remained largely intact.
By June 23, Israeli forces carried out a follow-up attack, specifically targeting Fordow’s access tunnels and above-ground entry points. According to Times of India, these efforts were aimed at sealing the facility off even if its underground systems remained. This bilateral offensive underscores escalating strategic cooperation between Washington and Jerusalem.
Strategic & Regional Implications
These combined moves seek to neutralize Fordow’s capacity to enrich uranium to near-weapons-grade levels—uranium that had recently been enriched to approximately 84%, according to IAEA monitoring cited by The Guardian. With Natanz heavily damaged and access to Fordow now restricted, Iran’s ability to resume nuclear work is significantly hindered.
However, these military actions dramatically raise the risk of wider conflict. Iran has already responded with missile strikes on Israeli cities, and Tehran has warned of further retaliatory attacks on U.S. interests, as reported by The Times of Israel. The international community, including the UN and EU, has urged restraint to prevent a full-scale war.
The deep-underground construction of Fordow means parts of it may still be operational—but sealing entrances complicates repairs and operations. Experts warn that Tehran could attempt to disperse its centrifuge technology to other hidden sites. Meanwhile, the escalating cycle of retaliatory exchanges could mark the opening of a new military phase between Iran, Israel, and possibly U.S. forces.
Diplomatic pressure is mounting—from powers such as Germany, the UK, and Russia—to reopen negotiations aimed at halting further strikes. With Iran’s nuclear infrastructure under coordinated attack, the path to either escalation or a negotiated settlement is narrowing rapidly.
