The release of a statement from the Israel Atomic Energy Commission (IAEC) followed the White House’s unusual move of sharing information prematurely. This statement pertained to the damage sustained at Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility.
The IAEC’s assessment indicated that the US strikes on Fordow had crippled critical infrastructure, disabling the enrichment facility. They concluded that these strikes, combined with Israeli actions against other elements of Iran’s nuclear program, had delayed Iran’s nuclear weapons development by a considerable period.
Prior to the release, an Israel Defence Forces spokesperson confirmed the significant damage to the nuclear program, estimating a setback of years. The US targeted the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan sites, with the Fordow facility, a uranium enrichment plant, being particularly difficult to penetrate.
The US likely used specialized ‘bunker buster’ bombs. President Trump claimed Fordow had been destroyed. However, Israeli officials have denied having agents on the ground at the site during the attack.
Israel launched preemptive strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities on June 13, citing intelligence indicating Iran was approaching a point of no return in its pursuit of nuclear weapons. Israeli officials believe Iran now has the capability to rapidly enrich uranium and construct nuclear bombs. The strikes signified a substantial escalation, part of a broader strategy that combines nuclear development, missile proliferation, and proxy warfare directed at Israel.
A US-brokered ceasefire went into effect after 12 days of conflict, during which Iranian missile strikes caused numerous casualties and injuries.