Iran's Fordo Facility Hit: UN Nuclear Watchdog Expects Heavy Damage

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Mariano Grossi, reported 'very heavy damage' at Iran's Fordo facility after a US airstrike. The attack, involving bunker-buster bombs, likely caused significant destruction, although the damage remains unassessed due to the underground nature of the facility.

The United Nations nuclear watchdog anticipates extensive damage at Iran's underground facility in Fordo after a sophisticated US airstrike over the weekend. The attack, using bunker-buster bombs, targeted the site, raising concerns about the integrity of the facility.

Rafael Mariano Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), disclosed this information during a briefing in Vienna. He highlighted the severity of the expected damage due to the explosive payload used in the strike and the sensitivity of the centrifuges to vibrations.

Despite the significant impact the strike likely had, Grossi noted that a complete assessment of the underground damage is currently not possible, underscoring the challenges faced by international inspectors in evaluating the situation at Fordo.

(With inputs from agencies.)