Fortified And Hidden In A Mountain: Why Iran’s Fordow Nuclear Site Is Critical?

Last Updated:June 18, 2025, 18:49 IST

Fordow was publicly revealed in 2009 when then US President Barack Obama, alongside France and UK, accused Iran of secretly constructing the underground facility.

Construction at the site is believed to have begun in the early 2000s. (Image Credit: AFP)

Iran’s Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, located near the holy city of Qom, has once again drawn international attention amid escalating regional tensions between Tehran and Tel Aviv.  Built deep into a mountain and heavily fortified, Fordow is one of Iran’s most secretive and secure nuclear facilities. Satellite imagery reviewed by experts shows five tunnel entrances burrowed into the mountainside along with a large external support structure and an extensive security perimeter. The site’s main operational halls are believed to be located 80 to 90 meters underground- beyond the reach of most conventional aerial bombs.

What Is Known About Iran’s Fordow Nuclear Facility?

Fordow was publicly revealed in 2009 when then US President Barack Obama, alongside France and UK, accused Iran of secretly constructing the underground facility. At the time, Barack Obama said the “size and configuration" of the plant was inconsistent with a peaceful nuclear program.

Construction at the site is believed to have begun in the early 2000s. Western intelligence agencies suggest the facility was initially intended to support Iran’s suspected nuclear weapons program by producing highly enriched uranium. Iran, however, maintains that its nuclear program is entirely peaceful.

What Is Iran Doing In Fordow Nuclear Facility?

Under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran agreed to limit operations at Fordow, removing centrifuges and halting enrichment activities but this changed after the United States withdrew from the agreement in 2018. Since then, Iran has resumed operations and increased uranium enrichment to levels of 60% purity at the site, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Can Fordow Nuclear Facility Be Completely Damaged By Israel?

Analysts say the facility’s depth and design make it virtually impervious to most forms of aerial attack. According to military experts, even the United States’ GBU-57 bunker-busting bombs may not be capable of penetrating the facility’s full depth.

Israel has long viewed Fordow as a critical threat but acknowledged that striking the site would likely require American involvement. Israel’s ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, said in a recent interview, “For Fordow to be taken out from the sky, only the United States has that capability."

Mallika Soni

When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?"

When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?"

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