In brief
New satellite imagery illustrates ongoing activity at Iran's Fordo nuclear enrichment facility following recent U.S. airstrikes, with experts suggesting that Iran is currently assessing the extent of damage from the attacks.
June 30, 2025, has seen a notable surge in activity at Iran's Fordo nuclear enrichment facility, following targeted U.S. airstrikes. Satellite images from Maxar Technologies reveal new roads built toward bomb impact zones, as well as machinery such as cranes and excavators at work near these sites. Analysts emphasize that this suggests Iran is conducting evaluations of the damage rather than commencing repair work.The U.S. employed B-2 bombers to deploy substantial bunker-busting ordnance on June 22, with assessments of the facility’s damage varying. While President Trump labeled the strikes as “obliterating,” expert evaluations painted a more cautious picture, indicating an ongoing investigation into the damage.Joseph S. Bermudez of the Center for Strategic and International Studies notes that the images portray Iranian teams likely conducting thorough damage assessments. “They’re evaluating the hole, evaluating how deep it went,” he stated.After the U.S. strike, Iran’s swift response included filling a crater caused by Israeli strikes, which had occurred just prior. This was confirmed through satellite imagery captured just days later, displaying the speed of recovery and assessment efforts.Despite this activity, experts insist that no major reconstruction efforts have started, with Bermudez noting, “There’s no real evidence” of reactivation measures at Fordo. The reported movement of vehicles and the use of excavation equipment suggest a focus on damage control and assessment, rather than immediate reconstruction.The situation continues to draw attention as the world watches how Iran will navigate the aftermath of severe military strikes against its critical nuclear infrastructure.
