Iranian official confirms part of Fordow site hit in 'enemy airstrike'

TEHRAN: A senior Iranian official has confirmed that part of the Fordow nuclear facility sustained damage following what was described as a “hostile attack,” amid rapidly escalating tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States.

According to Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization spokesperson, Behrouz Kamalvandi, the attack caused “limited damage” to sections of the uranium enrichment site. He stressed, however, that there was no radioactive leakage or threat to public safety.

“We had already relocated most critical equipment and materials in advance, and security systems functioned as planned,” he said.

The Fordow facility, buried deep under a mountain near the city of Qom, is considered one of the most heavily fortified sites in Iran’s nuclear program.

The strike is believed to be part of a broader wave of aerial attacks launched by Israel with backing from the United States, targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump previously confirmed Fordow as one of three primary targets in the large-scale air operation, alongside Natanz and Esfahan.

While Iranian authorities have yet to confirm who was behind the strikes, official statements have condemned the assault as a “blatant act of aggression” and a violation of national sovereignty.