Fact Check: "16 trucks spotted at Iran's Fordow site, possibly carrying enriched uranium."
What We Know
Recent satellite imagery has revealed significant activity at Iran's Fordow nuclear facility just days before a series of U.S. strikes on the site. Specifically, on June 19, 2025, images showed 16 cargo trucks positioned along the access road leading to the underground complex (Washington Post). These trucks were observed moving away from the facility shortly after the strikes, suggesting that they may have been involved in some preparatory actions, possibly related to the handling of hazardous materials, including enriched uranium (NPR, New York Times).
Experts have noted that these trucks could have been used to seal tunnel entrances or transport equipment out of the facility, indicating a potential evacuation of sensitive materials prior to the attack (NPR, Independent Sentinel). Satellite images taken after the strikes showed that the entrances to these tunnels appeared to be filled with dirt, possibly as a result of the bombing or prior Iranian activity (Washington Post).
Analysis
The claim that 16 trucks were spotted at the Fordow site is substantiated by multiple sources, including satellite imagery from Maxar Technologies, which confirmed the presence of these vehicles (New York Post). However, the assertion that these trucks were "possibly carrying enriched uranium" is more speculative. While the trucks' presence suggests potential movement of materials, there is no direct evidence confirming that they were transporting enriched uranium specifically.
Experts like Jeffrey Lewis and David Albright have emphasized that while the strikes may have damaged the Fordow facility, significant amounts of enriched uranium likely remain unaccounted for (NPR). This indicates that while the trucks' activity is notable, the exact nature of their cargo remains uncertain. Furthermore, the reliability of the sources reporting on these events varies; while major news outlets like the Washington Post and NPR provide credible reporting, other sources may lack the same level of scrutiny or verification.
Conclusion
The claim that 16 trucks were spotted at Iran's Fordow site, possibly carrying enriched uranium, is Partially True. The presence of the trucks is confirmed through satellite imagery, but the assertion regarding their cargo remains speculative without concrete evidence. The situation is complex, with significant implications for Iran's nuclear program, but the exact details surrounding the trucks and their contents are not definitively established.
Sources
- Images show damage to Fordow, other Iranian nuclear sites - The Washington Post
- Satellites show damage to Iran's nuclear program, but experts say it's not destroyed - NPR
- Iran's Fordo Nuclear Site Said to Look Severely Damaged - The New York Times
- Satellite images show trucks lined up at Iran's Fordow nuclear facility - New York Post
- Breaking! Where's Iran's Enriched Uranium? - Independent Sentinel
- What we know about satellite image showing trucks lined up at Iran - Snopes
- Iran's Fordow Nuclear Site Likely Sealed Up Before B-2 Strikes - TWZ
