Centrifuges at Fordow No Longer Operational, Says IAEA Chief

Assessment of Damage from U.S. Strikes

Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stated today that the centrifuges at the underground uranium enrichment facility in Fordow are no longer operational. This assessment follows U.S. airstrikes that targeted the facility using bunker-buster bombs. In a recent interview with French media, Grossi emphasized the difficulty in accurately gauging the extent of the damage based solely on satellite imagery. He indicated, however, that due to the intensity of the U.S. bombings and the technical characteristics of the facility, it is reasonable to conclude that the centrifuges are out of commission.

Technical Vulnerabilities of Centrifuges

Grossi highlighted the precision required for the operation of centrifuges, which are sensitive to strong vibrations. “Significant physical damage was unavoidable,” he remarked, suggesting that a fairly accurate technical conclusion could be drawn regarding their operability.

In related news, the Iranian parliament approved a law that suspends cooperation with the IAEA following the recent strikes on nuclear facilities by Israel and the United States. Tehran has expressed concern that the IAEA’s recent statement, whereby it admitted to not meeting its nuclear obligations for the first time in 20 years, contributed to legitimizing the attacks.

IAEA’s Priority: Reinstating Oversight

Grossi noted his top priority is to return IAEA inspectors to Iran’s nuclear facilities to evaluate the extent of the damage caused by the attacks and to examine Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium.

Divergent Reports on Damage Extent

Following the U.S. strikes, an intelligence report leaked to U.S. media offered a preliminary and inconclusive assessment suggesting that the strikes did not cause as much damage as claimed by President Trump, who insisted the nuclear facilities were “totally destroyed.” Sources cited by CNN and The New York Times indicated that Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile remained largely intact, with most centrifuges still reportedly operational.

The leaked intelligence report is considered preliminary based on data collected in the 24 hours following the strikes, and its reliability is categorized as low. Nstarttheless, it classified the overall damage to nuclear facilities as “moderate to severe,” and specified that the damage to Fordow, Iran’s most fortified enrichment site located up to 90 meters underground, was deemed “medium.” If the assessment holds true, Iran is unlikely to attempt restoring its uranium enrichment capabilities at that site.

Uncertainties About Iran’s Uranium Stockpile

Currently, there is uncertainty regarding the fate of the high-enriched uranium stockpile of 60% purity that Iran held before the conflict. This enrichment level is nearing the 90% required for nuclear weapon development. Prior to the strikes, Iran claimed to have relocated approximately 408 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium to a “safe location,” the specifics of which remain unclear. Recent estimates suggest that much of the uranium may still reside within the targeted nuclear facilities, contradicting Iran’s claims of its relocation.

As the situation unfolds, the IAEA continues to seek clarity on Iran’s nuclear intentions and the operational status of its facilities