Beyond the Headlines: A Deep Dive into US Strikes and Their Impact on Iran’s Nuclear Sites

Early Sunday morning, the United States launched a series of attacks on key Iranian nuclear facilities located in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The strikes, part of “Operation Midnight Hammer,” utilized massive bunker-buster bombs. Former President Donald Trump claimed a decisive victory, asserting the total destruction of three nuclear enrichment sites. Yet, analysis of satellite imagery paints a more intricate picture, presenting a need for caution in assessing the full impact. While damage is apparent, some experts suggest that the strikes might not have achieved complete destruction. Independent analysts from institutions such as the Middlebury Institute of International Studies are closely evaluating the damage. The satellite images of the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant reveal evidence of impact. The Esfahan Nuclear Technology and Research Centre appears to have incurred significant damage. There are indications of potential targeting of ventilation shafts at Fordow. Some reports claim Iran may have moved a substantial amount of uranium before the attacks. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is also involved in assessing the situation.