Ongoing Attacks on Iran’s Fordow Nuclear Facility: IDF Chief Foresees Difficult Times Ahead
IDF Airstrikes Continue for Sixteen Hours
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have been actively conducting airstrikes in Iran for the past sixteen hours, targeting various military and strategic sites, including the fortified Fordow nuclear facility located near Qom. The operation was confirmed by multiple sources, including the New York Times and the Iranian news agency Fars.
Military Assessment and Strategy
Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi held an operational briefing with senior IDF officials, including the Chief of Operations, Oded Basiuk; the Israel Air Force Commander, Tomer Bar; and the Head of Intelligence, Shlomi Binder. Together, they are leading the operation named “With All the Might,” which commenced overnight.
“We are continuing with full force and at a high pace to meet our defined objectives. There will be more difficult moments ahead, and we must be prepared for a variety of scenarios,” stated Kochavi during the briefing. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a high level of readiness amid the ongoing operation against what he termed “a dangerous and complex enemy.”
Current Operations and Impacts
Air Force Commander Tomer Bar addressed personnel from the command center, highlighting the critical nature of their operations in Western Iran. “Every launcher we target saves lives in Israel,” he remarked, underscoring the urgency and significance of their objectives.
The attacks on Fordow complement previous strikes against the Natanz nuclear site, which has sustained significant damage, as well as the Iranian Air Force’s airport in Tabriz, which was reportedly destroyed during the assaults.
Fordow Nuclear Facility: Strategic Background
Fordow is the second most significant uranium enrichment facility in Iran, following the larger Natanz site, and is located about 160 kilometers south of Tehran. It was constructed deep within a mountain to provide a strong defense against aerial attacks, with a depth estimated between 80 to 90 meters. Initial construction began around 2006, and it became publicly known in 2009 after Western intelligence agencies discovered its existence.
Following its disclosure, then-President Barack Obama noted that the facility’s size and design were inconsistent with a peaceful nuclear program. Under the 2015 nuclear deal, enrichment activities at Fordow were supposed to cease for 15 years, but Iran resumed operations post-U.S. withdrawal from the agreement in 2018. Currently, it hosts approximately 2,000 centrifuges, with around 350 enriching uranium at a high level of 60%.
Reports in 2024 indicated significant expansions at the facility, raising alarms regarding Iran’s nuclear aspirations.
Historical Context of Sabotage Attempts
In addition to the military operations, Fordow has a history of sabotage claims. In 2013, reports emerged of an explosion that allegedly destroyed much of the facility, with Iran denying these incidents while acknowledging another explosion that damaged high-voltage power lines supplying electricity to the site. More recently, in 2022, Iranian authorities claimed to have thwarted an alleged sabotage attempt by Mossad, indicating the ongoing complexities surrounding the facility’s operations and security.
As the situation evolves, the IDF remains committed to its military objectives while bracing for potential challenges in the coming days and weeks