Conflicting assessments of damage to Iran's Fordow nuclear facility have emerged following U.S. military strikes, with Iranian officials claiming significant structural impacts while American intelligence suggests more limited destruction. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told CBS News that the underground site suffered "serious and heavily damaged" infrastructure, though he acknowledged full evaluations remain ongoing.
The remarks contrast with intercepted Iranian communications reported by the Washington Post, which allegedly downplayed the strikes' effectiveness. U.S. President Donald Trump previously declared the operation "completely and totally obliterated" Iran's nuclear capabilities, but multiple government sources caution damage assessments could take weeks to finalize.
The Fordow complex, built into a mountain near Qom, houses uranium enrichment centrifuges and has been a focal point of international nonproliferation concerns. While Tehran maintains its nuclear program remains peaceful, the facility's hardened design has long presented challenges for conventional military strikes.
Analysts suggest the discrepancy in damage reports could influence ongoing diplomatic efforts, with regional stability hanging in balance. The International Atomic Energy Agency has yet to comment on the facility's operational status.
