WASHINGTON D.C. – New satellite images reveal significant destruction at Iran’s nuclear facilities following U.S. airstrikes, raising international tensions.
In the aftermath of the U.S. military operation codenamed “Midnight Hammer,” satellite imagery has provided the first visual evidence of the extensive damage inflicted on Iran’s critical nuclear sites at Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz. The strikes, conducted on June 22, 2025, aimed to dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities, according to U.S. officials.
Breaking: Damage Assessment at Key Iranian Sites
President Donald Trump announced that the targeted facilities were “completely and totally obliterated,” although other administration officials have advised caution, noting that a comprehensive damage assessment is still underway.
“Initial battle damage assessments indicate that all three sites sustained extremely severe damage and destruction,” stated Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, during an interview with ABC News.
Fordo Nuclear Site
The Fordo enrichment facility, located about 60 miles south of Tehran, was one of the primary targets. Satellite images provided by Maxar Technologies reveal multiple large craters and a spread of blue ash, indicative of the strikes’ impact.
“Fordow was directly impacted, but the degree of damage inside the uranium enrichment halls can’t be determined with certainty,” said Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Experts suggest that the facility was likely hit with Massive Ordinance Penetrators (MOPs), designed to penetrate deep underground facilities. The presence of craters near ventilation shafts suggests significant structural damage.
“Looks like Fordo was hit with at least six MOPs,” commented Sam Lair from the Middlebury Institute’s James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies.
Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center
The Isfahan facility also suffered extensive damage, with over a dozen buildings reportedly destroyed. The U.S. strikes appeared to focus on the uranium conversion area, exacerbating the damage from previous Israeli attacks.
“Entrances to underground tunnels at the site were impacted,” confirmed Grossi in a statement.
Natanz Nuclear Facility
At the Natanz site, the largest Iranian nuclear enrichment center, a significant crater marks the destruction over an underground military complex. Previous Israeli strikes had already damaged above-ground structures, but the recent U.S. attack targeted the subterranean facilities.
According to Maxar Technologies, the presence of one large crater suggests multiple MOPs were used to ensure penetration.
Expert Analysis and International Reactions
Experts caution that while the visible damage is extensive, the full operational impact on Iran’s nuclear program remains uncertain. The strikes have prompted varied international reactions, with some nations calling for restraint to prevent further escalation.
“The only piece of evidence of deep penetration is the amount of ejecta that the MOPs produced,” noted Decker Eveleth, an analyst at CNA.
What Comes Next
As the U.S. and international community await a more detailed assessment of the damage, the implications for regional stability and nuclear non-proliferation efforts remain significant. Diplomatic channels are expected to be tested as stakeholders navigate the fallout from these developments.
The situation continues to evolve, with further updates anticipated as more information becomes available from on-the-ground assessments and satellite analyses.