The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that three of Iran’s major nuclear sites, including Fordow, Isfahan, and Bushehr, have remained unaffected by recent Israeli airstrikes, as reported by Iranian officials.
The UN nuclear watchdog reported that the Fordow, Isfahan, and Bushehr facilities are intact. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has been in direct contact with Iranian authorities to assess the status of these sites.
However, the Natanz nuclear facility, Iran’s largest, has been confirmed to have sustained damage. Satellite images and on-ground footage captured plumes of smoke rising above the site following the attack. Despite this, the IAEA has noted that no increase in radiation levels has been detected at the location.
Both Fordow and Natanz are underground installations. Fordow is situated approximately 20 miles northeast of Qom, while Natanz lies about 150 miles south of Tehran.
Iran has fortified these sites heavily over the years, employing reinforced concrete and sophisticated structural designs to safeguard against potential military strikes. Defense experts reveal that some of these underground facilities feature intricate tunnel networks with sharp, 90-degree turns, meticulously crafted to minimize damage from direct attacks.
