U.S. Officials Confirm Fordow Nuclear Facility ‘Obliterated,’ While Questions Remain Over Isfahan and Natanz

by Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff

(Worthy News) – A new U.S. intelligence assessment reveals that last month’s airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure largely succeeded in destroying the heavily fortified Fordow enrichment facility, while only partially damaging two other sites–Isfahan and Natanz–raising concerns over Iran’s ability to resume uranium enrichment within months.

According to an NBC News report citing five current and former U.S. officials, Operation Midnight Hammer, launched by President Donald Trump on June 22, dealt a significant blow to Iran’s most protected nuclear site at Fordow. U.S. intelligence estimates suggest the damage at Fordow will delay any enrichment activities there by up to two years.

However, the same officials caution that Iran’s other key nuclear sites in Natanz and Isfahan may be able to resume enrichment operations within months. While those facilities were targeted in the B-2 stealth bomber assault, their partial survival has prompted internal discussions in both Washington and Jerusalem about whether follow-up strikes will be necessary to prevent Iran from restarting its weapons program.

Israeli intelligence reportedly warned U.S. officials that the bulk of Iran’s enriched uranium remains stored deep beneath the Isfahan site. According to the report, surveillance capabilities remain active, allowing both nations to monitor any attempt by Tehran to restart enrichment efforts covertly.

Despite divergent assessments, the White House and Pentagon maintain a united front. “As the President has said and experts have verified, Operation Midnight Hammer totally obliterated Iran’s nuclear capabilities,” said White House spokesperson Anna Kelly in a statement. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell reinforced the message, declaring, “Iran’s nuclear facilities in Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz were completely and totally obliterated. There is no doubt about that.”

The Iranian government, meanwhile, has acknowledged significant damage to Fordow. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi admitted the site suffered “severe damage.”

According to sources familiar with the operation, a broader campaign had originally been proposed by U.S. Central Command. The alternative strategy called for sustained attacks over several weeks targeting six nuclear facilities, aiming to dismantle Iran’s nuclear infrastructure entirely. President Trump ultimately rejected the larger plan, opting instead for a one-night precision strike on the three primary enrichment sites.

With conflicting narratives still emerging and Iran’s future intentions uncertain, American and Israeli officials are reportedly preparing contingency plans for renewed military action should enrichment efforts resume at the damaged sites.

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