Inside Iran’s Fordow nuclear site: Buried in a mountain, bombproof and cloaked in secrecy
Dubai: At the centre of the escalating Iran-Israel conflict stands Iran’s most secretive and fortified nuclear site: The Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant..Hidden deep beneath a mountain near the city of Qom, Fordow is one of Iran’s most protected nuclear facilities. .Missiles hit Israel as Iran nuclear sites targeted in Day 3 of conflict.Its underground construction — buried 80 (260 feet) to 90 metres below the surface — makes it virtually immune to aerial strikes, even from Israel’s most advanced bunker-buster bombs. .Built in secrecy and exposed only in 2009 through Western intelligence, Fordow was designed for survival, especially in the event of military action targeting Iran’s nuclear programme..What alarms global powers most is Fordow’s capability to enrich uranium to levels approaching weapons-grade. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the plant now houses 2,700 centrifuges and is enriching uranium to 60% purity — just a short technical leap from the 90 per cent required for nuclear weapons. .Israel-Iran conflict: Critical damage dealt to key Iranian nuclear site, IAEA says.In 2023, uranium enriched to 83.7 per cent purity was detected at the site, edging dangerously close to weapons-grade material. Where are Iran’s nuclear facilities?Natanz: Revealed in 2002, Natanz is Iran’s largest nuclear site with two enrichment plants—an underground Fuel Enrichment Plant (FEP) and an above-ground pilot facility (PFEP). It has been at the centre of tensions with the West.Fordow: Dug deep into a mountain near Qom, Fordow is Iran’s most fortified site. Originally banned from enrichment under the 2015 deal, it now runs about 2,000 centrifuges, including IR-6 machines enriching up to 60%. Its secrecy and depth make it a top concern.Isfahan: Home to a major nuclear centre, Isfahan houses a uranium conversion facility, fuel plate plant, and centrifuge part production. It also stores enriched uranium and contains equipment capable of producing uranium metal, a key bomb component.Khondab (Arak): This heavy-water reactor can produce plutonium, another bomb fuel. It was partially dismantled under the 2015 deal but is now expected to start operations in 2026 after redesign.Tehran: The capital hosts Iran’s nuclear research centre, including a research reactor.Bushehr: Iran’s only active nuclear power plant, fueled and managed by Russia, limiting its proliferation risk..Five tunnels.Satellite images reveal a vast complex: Five tunnels dug into the mountains, a large support structure, and a wide security perimeter. Though little is visible on the surface, the facility’s sheer scale and secrecy have fuelled global speculation since it was first acknowledged in 2009..Fordow’s enrichment halls lie so deep — an estimated 262 to 295 feet below ground — that no known Israeli weapon can destroy it from the air. .UN nuclear watchdog board finds Iran isn’t complying with its obligations.As Iran reels from recent Israeli strikes, some analysts believe Fordow could become the site where Iran rapidly converts its stockpiled uranium into a nuclear weapon, if it chooses to cross that line..While Israel has reportedly targeted the area, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says it has neither succeeded in damaging the site nor proven willing to escalate that far. .Iran continues to insist its nuclear ambitions are peaceful, but Fordow remains the focal point of international concern..As former US President Barack Obama said in 2009 — when he, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown revealed the site’s existence — “The size and configuration of this facility is inconsistent with a peaceful programme.”.What is the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant?.The Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant is Iran’s most secretive and fortified nuclear facility, located near Qom, about 95km southwest of Tehran. .Built deep beneath a mountain, it is designed to withstand military strikes and continue uranium enrichment even during conflict..Why is Fordow so critical in the Iran-Israel conflict?.Fordow is central because of its ability to enrich uranium to near weapons-grade levels. With 2,700 centrifuges currently enriching uranium up to 60%— and traces of 83.7 per cent detected — it poses a serious proliferation threat. That’s why global powers and Israel are watching it closely..How deep is Fordow and why is that important?.The facility lies 80 to 90 metres underground (262–295 feet), buried beneath a mountain. This depth makes it virtually impenetrable to airstrikes, even from advanced bunker-busting bombs possessed by Israel, which lacks the capability to destroy it unilaterally..When was Fordow built and how was it discovered?.Construction likely began between 2002 and 2004, though Iran publicly acknowledged its existence only in 2009 after it was exposed by Western intelligence. Historical satellite imagery confirmed tunnelling and structural work years earlier..What does Fordow produce and how close is it to nuclear weapons capability?.Fordow enriches uranium, and recent IAEA reports confirm production at 60 per cent purity, with traces of 83.7 per cent — alarmingly close to the 90 per cent required for nuclear weapons. Analysts believe Iran could convert its stockpile into material for nine nuclear bombs within three weeks if it chose to..Has Israel tried to strike Fordow?.Yes. Israel has targeted the facility in recent military operations, but it remains intact, according to the IAEA. The site’s depth, mountain cover, and air defences make it nearly impossible to destroy from the air without US support..Can Israel destroy Fordow on its own?.No. According to US and international defence analysts, only the US Air Force possesses the GBU-57 A/B “Massive Ordnance Penetrator,” a bomb capable of partially penetrating Fordow’s defences. Even then, multiple precision strikes would be required, delivered by a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber — aircraft only the US operates..What other strategies could disable Fordow?.Experts suggest that targeting tunnel entrances, ventilation shafts, or electrical infrastructure could temporarily disable the facility. Such a strike might delay operations for months but would not fully eliminate Iran’s nuclear capabilities..Why is Fordow viewed as inconsistent with a peaceful nuclear programme?.According to former US President Barack Obama, the facility’s size and design contradict Iran’s claims of peaceful intent. Built in secret, deeply buried, and capable of quickly producing weapons-grade uranium, Fordow lacks the hallmarks of a civilian nuclear site..What role does the US play in addressing the Fordow threat?.Only the US has the specialised aircraft and bunker-busting munitions capable of targeting Fordow. Whether Washington chooses military action remains a political decision. As Israel’s ambassador to the US stated, “That’s a decision the United States has to take.”
Source: Stephen N R