A Peek into Iran's Underground Atomic Facility at Fordo - Unveiled!
Aerial view reveals the covert structure of the nuclear facility hidden within Fordo.
Take a virtual tour of the enigmatic Fordo facility hidden in a desolate mountain range near Ghom, Iran. This nuclear facility, shrouded in secrecy, is believed to be the core of Iran's atomic program, as reported by Western intelligence agencies. Let's delve deeper into the buried secrets beneath the earth.
Note: The images presented here are high-resolution satellite images, allowing for a better understanding of the layout and facilities at the Fordo site.
Cloaked in mystery, this underground facility is strategically positioned at an elevation of approximately 900 meters above sea level. It stands isolated in an inhospitable, barren region, far from any populated centers, leading many to speculate its military purposes.
Protected by several security rings, the Fordo site is accessible only via a single access road from the northwest. As you approach the area, you'll pass through several guarded checkpoints. Surveillance towers, trenches, multiple layers of fencing, and air defense positions mark the site's perimeter.
Upon closer inspection, you'll notice an area about 3.5 kilometers wide. The inner security area of the Fordo uranium enrichment facility, guarded by six tunnel entrances, becomes visible. Two of these entrance gates are located near a prominent white building in the west, with another tunnel entrance found about 500 meters northeast. The fifth and sixth access points to the deep bunkers of Fordo are situated at the eastern edge of the inner security ring.
The white-roofed building, approximately 140 meters long and 40 meters wide, is well-connected by a developed access road from the northeast. Lights illuminating the access road are visible in satellite images, signifying the Iranians’ readiness for 24/7 operations.
Identical protective fences surround the other tunnel entrances located further northeast, as well as the two individual access points in the north and east, suggesting the Iranians' concern for deterring sabotage and infiltration.
Tunnels, shafts, and bunkers wind through the rock beneath the facility, with evidence of a past IAEA inspection revealing the presence of a uranium enrichment factory. Recently, it's believed that there were around 2000 centrifuges in operation at Fordo, responsible for the majority of Iran's uranium enrichment up to 60% purity.
Despite being fortified against air attacks, the facility is said to have produced approximately 166.6 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% in the last quarter, which could yield four nuclear bombs with further enrichment.
According to Israeli reports, facilities for the production of heavy water were also hit in the airstrikes on the Chondab site. If successful, continued attacks on key sites like the Fordo facility could deal a significant blow to Iran's nuclear program.
Source: ntv.de, mmo
- Iran
- Iran Conflict
- Military
- Maps-Data-Infographics
Additional Insights:
- Satellite photos reveal that the Fordo facility is heavily fortified and resilient to direct strikes due to its burial deep inside a mountain[1][4]. Although some limited damage can be seen on the exterior structures, no significant damage to the underground nuclear enrichment halls has been visible in satellite images[1][2].
- The site is equipped with approximately 2000 centrifuges, many of which are advanced IR-6 models, with up to 350 enriching uranium up to 60% purity[1]. Despite Israeli airstrikes on other Iranian nuclear sites such as Natanz and Isfahan, satellite images suggest that the underground Fordo facility has not been physically attacked yet[3].
- The reports suggest a potential connection between Iran's nuclear policy, particularly the facilities at Fordo, and global politics, with the continual production of enriched uranium posing a significant concern in the context of war-and-conflicts.
- In the realm of community policy, the isolation of the Fordo facility indicates a strategic focus on maintaining security and secrecy, possibly raising questions about transparency and general-news reporting in relation to war-and-conflicts.
