Israel Claims U.S. Strike Rendered Iran’s Fordow Nuclear Facility Inoperable
Netanyahu's office says American airstrike destroyed critical infrastructure at Fordow, severely hindering Iran’s nuclear capabilities for years.
Watan-Israel claimed on Wednesday that the recent U.S. military strike destroyed the infrastructure of Iran’s Fordow uranium enrichment facility and rendered it inoperable.
This statement was published by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office via X, on behalf of the Israel Atomic Energy Commission (IAEC).
“The devastating U.S. strike on Fordow (early Sunday) destroyed the site’s critical infrastructure and rendered the enrichment facility inoperable,” the statement read.
Claims of Nuclear Setback Clash with U.S. Intelligence Doubts
It further alleged that the joint American-Israeli strikes against Iran’s nuclear program “have set back Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons by many years.”
On June 13, Israel, backed by the United States, launched a 12-day offensive on Iran targeting military and nuclear sites, civilian infrastructure, and key scientists and military leaders. According to Iran’s Health Ministry, the assault killed 606 people and injured 5,332.
In retaliation, Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones targeting Israeli military and intelligence sites, many of which penetrated Israeli air defenses, causing widespread destruction and panic. Israel reported 28 deaths and over 3,238 injuries.
The Prime Minister’s Office on behalf of the Israel Atomic Energy Commission (IAEC):
The devastating US strike on Fordow destroyed the site’s critical infrastructure and rendered the enrichment facility inoperable.
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— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) June 25, 2025
Following Iran’s counterstrikes, the U.S. bombed several Iranian nuclear facilities, claiming it had effectively “ended” Iran’s nuclear program. Iran then responded by attacking the American Al Udeid base in Qatar. A ceasefire between Tel Aviv and Tehran was announced on June 24.
Leaked U.S. Report Challenges Israeli Claims on Iran Nuclear Damage
Despite Israeli and American claims of long-term damage to Iran’s nuclear capabilities, a leaked U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency report concluded that the strikes likely delayed the program by only a few months.
While Israel and the U.S. accuse Iran of seeking nuclear weapons, Tehran insists its nuclear activities are peaceful and focused on electricity generation.
Israel, which is widely believed to possess the region’s only nuclear arsenal, remains outside international inspection regimes. It continues to occupy Palestinian, Syrian, and Lebanese territories and considers Iran its arch-enemy.
The latest Israeli assault on Iran marks a shift from decades of covert warfare—such as sabotage and assassinations—to an unprecedented open hybrid war between the two nations.
