Israel’s Airstrikes Cripple Key Parts of Iran’s Nuclear Program—but Fordow Remains a Major Challenge

by Emmitt Barry, with reporting from Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff

(Worthy News) – Israel’s military campaign against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure has delivered significant setbacks to Tehran’s atomic ambitions, but the most fortified element of Iran’s program–the Fordow facility–remains largely intact, leaving a dangerous path open for Iran’s potential nuclear breakout.

By Sunday, three days into its offensive, Israel had destroyed centrifuges at Natanz–Iran’s largest enrichment site–killed up to 10 senior nuclear scientists, and shattered vital links in Iran’s nuclear weapons supply chain. Israeli officials and international atomic experts say these strikes could set Iran’s nuclear program back by years, though significant hurdles remain.

Israel’s strikes so far have damaged or destroyed critical buildings at Iran’s Isfahan complex, including a uranium conversion facility and a fuel fabrication plant essential for producing the material needed for a nuclear bomb. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that the sudden loss of power at Natanz may have damaged or destroyed thousands of delicate centrifuges.

Despite these blows, Israel has not yet neutralized Fordow, Iran’s deeply buried enrichment plant carved into a mountain near Qom. The facility, crucial for producing weapons-grade uranium, is believed to be beyond the reach of Israel’s current arsenal. “If you’re worried about a nuclear breakout, Fordow is the game,” said Richard Nephew, a former U.S. negotiator with Iran.

An Israeli official suggested that the underground portion of Natanz may have suffered a partial collapse, but assessments are ongoing. Meanwhile, the fate of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile–enough to build multiple nuclear weapons–remains uncertain, with fears it could be dispersed or hidden at secret sites.

Iran has acknowledged limited damage at Fordow and continues to deny that it seeks nuclear weapons, insisting its program is for peaceful purposes.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the elimination of top scientists could significantly delay Iran’s bomb-making capabilities. However, experts caution that Iran’s extensive pool of trained personnel and potential hidden centrifuge reserves could enable Tehran to recover more quickly than anticipated.

Israel has formally requested U.S. military assistance to destroy Fordow. While President Donald Trump reportedly assured Netanyahu that the United States might consider action if absolutely necessary, the White House has publicly denied any immediate plans for a strike. The issue is expected to be discussed in the coming talks between Israeli and U.S. defense chiefs.

Israel has also reached out to allied nations for help in intercepting Iranian missile and drone attacks. The United Kingdom has agreed to support defensive operations, while France is reportedly weighing its options.

The outcome of Israel’s campaign–and whether it can deliver a decisive blow to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure–will shape the security landscape of the Middle East in the critical days ahead.

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