FORDOW — The United States attacked the Fordow nuclear enrichment site during Operation Rising Lion on June 22, 2025. The strike targeted the uranium enrichment facility located in Iran.

Behrouz Kamalvandi, deputy head and spokesman of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, stated that limited damage was caused to several areas at the Fordow enrichment site. He stated that a significant portion of equipment and materials had been removed from the Fordow site prior to the attack.

Kamalvandi stated there were no concerns about contamination at the Fordow site. He also stated there were no casualties in the strikes at any of the nuclear facilities.

The Iranian official provided assessments of other nuclear locations as well. Kamalvandi stated that the enrichment complex at Natanz was damaged mainly in its above-ground sections. He stated that only a small amount of leakage occurred inside the Natanz facility and did not spread outside.

PureSource News previously reported that Iran transferred thousands of centrifuges to the underground Natanz facility. Regarding the nuclear complex in Isfahan, he stated that minor damage was caused there. He stated that damaged facilities would be rebuilt.

Former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen addressed the operation at the Galilee Conference. Cohen stated that the Mossad toured the Fordow nuclear site "many times" to understand it. It remains unclear whether this statement referred to agents physically present within the Fordow facility or to remote monitoring. Cohen stated, "Its bombing by the Americans is the fulfillment of all my dreams." He argued that uranium enriched to 60% is still far from a nuclear bomb.

Assessments of the strike's effectiveness vary among regional actors. Initial estimates made known in March 2026 suggested the Fordow site could be destroyed. Some Israeli officials believe the Fordow site was destroyed.

Other Israeli officials advise caution regarding the status of the Fordow site until confirmation is received. The United States is located in North America with its capital in Washington D.C. The World Bank classifies the country as a high income economy.

The divergent accounts between Iranian officials and some Israeli assessments highlight the uncertainty surrounding the physical impact of Operation Rising Lion on Iran's nuclear infrastructure. While Tehran reports limited damage and no contamination, external estimates from early 2026 suggested potential destruction of the Fordow site.

The removal of equipment prior to the strike, as stated by Kamalvandi, suggests preparatory measures may have mitigated operational losses. The involvement of former intelligence leadership in public commentary reflects the strategic significance placed on the Fordow facility by regional security actors.

Why It Matters

The strike on the Fordow site represents a direct military intervention in Iran's nuclear program, with former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen calling the action the fulfillment of his dreams. While Iranian officials report limited damage and no casualties due to prior equipment removal, conflicting assessments from Israeli officials create uncertainty about the facility's actual status. This divergence shows the strategic stakes involved, as the physical impact on enrichment capabilities remains unconfirmed despite claims that 60% enriched uranium is far from weapon-grade.