Fact Check: "The Fordow uranium enrichment centre is located deep underground and was not apparently struck in Friday morning’s strikes."
What We Know
The Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant (FFEP) is an Iranian underground uranium enrichment facility located approximately 20 miles northeast of Qom, Iran, near the village of Fordow. It was built deep underground, primarily to protect it from potential airstrikes, particularly from Israel, which has expressed concerns over Iran's nuclear capabilities (Wikipedia). The facility is controlled by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) and has been a focal point in discussions about Iran's nuclear program since its existence was disclosed to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 2009 (Wikipedia).
Recent reports indicate that during Israeli airstrikes on June 13, 2025, while significant damage was inflicted on other Iranian nuclear sites, the Fordow facility remained largely untouched. Sources confirm that the subterranean components of Fordow, which house the centrifuges and enriched uranium, were not breached, although some above-ground structures may have sustained damage (New York Times, Economic Times).
Analysis
The claim that Fordow is located deep underground is accurate and well-documented. Its construction within a mountain was a strategic decision to mitigate the risk of aerial attacks (Wikipedia). This geographical advantage is crucial in understanding why the facility was reportedly not struck during the recent Israeli airstrikes. Reports from multiple credible sources, including the New York Times and the Washington Post, indicate that while Israel targeted various nuclear sites, the Fordow facility's underground structure likely protected it from damage (New York Times, Washington Post).
However, the phrase "not apparently struck" requires careful consideration. While it is true that the subterranean facilities were not breached, there is ambiguity regarding the extent of damage to above-ground structures. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed to have partially destroyed the Natanz facility, but there was no confirmation of similar damage at Fordow, leading to speculation about the effectiveness of the strikes (Times of Israel). The reliability of these reports is bolstered by the involvement of established news organizations and expert analyses, although the situation remains fluid and subject to further developments.
Conclusion
The claim is Partially True. It accurately states that the Fordow uranium enrichment center is located deep underground, which contributed to its apparent survival during the recent Israeli airstrikes. However, the assertion that it was "not apparently struck" lacks nuance, as it does not fully account for the potential damage to above-ground structures and the ongoing nature of military assessments. Thus, while the core of the claim holds merit, the context surrounding it is essential for a complete understanding.
Sources
- Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant - Wikipedia
- Israel's next target is Fordo, a nuclear site hidden in ...
- Iranian missile attack hits Tel Aviv in retaliation for Israeli ...
- Israel’s Ambition: Destroy the Heart of Iran’s Nuclear Program
- Has Israel’s attack on Iran failed? Fordow nuclear fuel enrichment ...
- IDF says it partly destroyed Natanz nuclear facility, Iran ...
- Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant - The Nuclear Threat Initiative
- Iran announces nuclear countermeasures after IAEA non ...
