Fact Check: "Fordow nuclear facility reportedly 'gone' after U.S. strikes."
What We Know
The Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant (FFEP), located near Qom, Iran, is a significant underground facility for uranium enrichment, officially known as the Shahid Ali Mohammadi Nuclear Facility. It was constructed starting in 2006 and disclosed to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 2009. The facility has been a focal point in discussions about Iran's nuclear capabilities and international relations (Wikipedia).
On June 22, 2025, the United States conducted airstrikes on the Fordow facility, among others, as part of a broader military operation against Iranian nuclear sites. President Donald Trump confirmed these strikes, claiming they targeted critical components of Iran's nuclear program (Washington Post, ABC7). Reports indicate that while some damage occurred, the subterranean sections of the facility, which house the centrifuges, were not breached, and the extent of the damage remains unclear (Al Jazeera, NBC News).
Analysis
The claim that the Fordow nuclear facility is "gone" is misleading. While the U.S. strikes did target the facility, evidence suggests that the underground structure, which is designed to withstand air attacks, remained intact. Reports from various sources indicate that damage was limited to above-ground structures, and the critical components of the facility were likely unaffected (Economic Times, Euronews).
The reliability of the sources reporting on the strikes varies. The Washington Post and NBC News are generally regarded as credible news outlets, providing detailed accounts of the events. However, the claim of the facility being "gone" seems to stem from a misunderstanding or exaggeration of the actual damage reported. The facility's design and its operational status post-strike suggest that it continues to function, albeit potentially at a reduced capacity (Wikipedia, Al Jazeera).
Conclusion
The claim that the Fordow nuclear facility is "gone" after U.S. strikes is Partially True. While the U.S. did conduct airstrikes on the facility, the evidence indicates that the critical underground components of Fordow were not destroyed and remain operational. Thus, while there was military action taken against the site, the assertion that it is completely "gone" is inaccurate.
Sources
- Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant - Wikipedia
- Israel-Iran live updates: U.S. warplanes carry out strikes on ...
- US has struck three Iranian nuclear sites, Trump says ...
- What is Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility, and could US weapons …
- What is Iran's Fordow nuclear site and why is it so critical?
- U.S. strikes Iranian nuclear sites, Trump says
- Tällainen on Iranin maanalainen ydinlaitos, joka piinaa Israelia
- US bombs Iran's nuclear sites: All you need to know about ...
