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IAEA head anticipates major damage at Iran’s Fordow nuclear site
The head of the United Nations nuclear agency, Rafael Grossi, stated that the recent U.S. bombing likely caused extensive damage to the underground sections of Iran's Fordow uranium enrichment facility, which is built inside a mountain. However, the full extent of the damage remains unclear.
On Sunday, the U.S. deployed its largest conventional bombs for the first time in combat against Iranian nuclear sites, including the Fordow plant. Grossi emphasized that neither the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) nor others have yet been able to inspect the site to assess the underground impact.
Since military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities began on June 13, inspections by the IAEA have been halted. Given the type of explosives used and the delicate nature of the centrifuges involved, significant damage is presumed.
A critical concern is the status of the enriched uranium stockpile at Fordow, especially the more than 400 kilograms enriched to nearly 60% purity close to weapons-grade material. According to IAEA standards, this amount could be used to produce up to nine nuclear weapons if further enriched, though Iran maintains its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.
Iran notified the IAEA on June 13 of plans to implement "special measures" to protect nuclear materials and equipment under international safeguards. Grossi responded that any transfer of nuclear material within Iran must be reported to the agency, and that protective actions can comply with Iran’s safeguard obligations.
