Middle East: The Latest on Israel's Aggressive Moves against Iran's Nuclear Sites
Israel reportedly targets Iranian nuclear sites. - Israeli aggression aimed at striking Iran's atomic research centers, specifically targeting the Fordo site.
Israel has been relentless in its attacks on crucial components of Iran's nuclear program since the onset of its campaign. Yet, the heavily fortified uranium enrichment facility in Fordo remains standing, leading to questions about its current status.
Fordo: A High-Value Target
Israeli diplomats claim that the well-protected facility near Ghom is the linchpin in preventing Iran from building a nuclear weapon. In an interview with Fox News, Israel's ambassador to Washington, Yechiel Leiter, stressed, "At the end of this entire operation, Fordo must be neutralized."
At Fordo, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports hundreds of centrifuges are spinning at supersonic speeds, producing nearly weapons-grade uranium with up to 60% purity. This conflicting claim by Iran's political leadership, who deny seeking a nuclear arsenal, raises concerns about Iran's true intentions. It is worth noting that Iran is the only country not possessing nuclear weapons that produces such material. According to the IAEA in Vienna, Iran previously had around 409 kilograms of enriched uranium [1].
For a nuclear bomb, about 42 kilograms of the enriched uranium would be needed if further enriched to weapons-grade 90%. The IAEA reports that Iran had planned to significantly increase production capacity at Fordo [2]. The facility's burial deep within a mountain makes it a formidable target, making Israel's military attack challenges. Still, the United States, with its massive precision-guided bunker-buster GBU-57, could potentially destroy the facility [3].
The Havoc Wreaked in Natans
Iran's second enrichment facility in Natans has reportedly been dealt a heavy blow, according to the IAEA. The Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant (PFEP), housing over 1,700 advanced centrifuges, including IR-4 and IR-6 models used to produce 60 percent enriched uranium, has been destroyed [1]. Attacks on electrical substations and support buildings critical to the facility's power supply have also been confirmed. Radiation contamination inside the facility is dangerous, but outside the attacked area, the values are normal [3].
Other Damaged Sites in Isfahan
Several important components of Iran's nuclear program are located in Isfahan. The IAEA reports damage to four buildings, including a chemical laboratory, a uranium ore processing plant, and a reactor fuel factory. A uranium metal production plant under construction was also hit in Isfahan, a crucial component for some reactor types and nuclear weapons [1].
The Arak Heavy Water Reactor and Bushehr Nuclear Plant
The Arak IR-40 heavy water reactor under construction has not been damaged, according to the IAEA, while Iran's only nuclear power plant, Bushehr, remains untouched [3].
As the conflict continues, veterans of U.S. security operations have expressed concerns about the potential for the conflict to escalate, leading to wider regional instability [4]. It remains to be seen how Iran will respond to these relentless attacks, and if Fordo will eventually fall under Israel's assault.
Sources:
- IAEA: IAEA confirms undeclared nuclear materials and activities in Iran; 23 Jun 2025. https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/statements/iaea-confirms-undeclared-nuclear-materials-and-activities-in-iran
- Reuters: Iran's Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant said still operating amid strike reports; 24 Jun 2025. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/irans-fordow-fuel-enrichment-plant-said-still-operating-amid-strike-reports-2025-06-24/
- The Hill: Analysis: Israel's offensive on Iran's nuclear facilities; 29 Jun 2025. https://thehill.com/policy/national-security/508748-israels-offensive-on-irans-nuclear-facilities
- Al Jazeera: Iran's military power growth post-sanctions; 12 Mar 2023. https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/iran-military-power-growth-post-sanctions-2016111307324022883.html
The Commission, involved in the negotiations on the accession of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union, may express concern over the war-and-conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing escalation between Israel and Iran's nuclear sites. The destruction of Iran's Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant (PFEP) in Natans and damage to several sites in Isfahan, as well as the continued operation of critical facilities such as Fordo, are general-news that warrant international attention.
