When Israel kicked off its surprise offensive against Iran's nuclear program, the goal was clear: take out Tehran’s key nuclear facilities and halt any potential weaponization. But as the dust settles, experts say some of Iran’s most critical sites are practically untouchable with current Israeli military capabilities.
Let’s break down what’s really going on in this high-stakes showdown, which has seen strikes and counterstrikes continuing through the week — and the implications of these underground powerhouses Tehran is defending so fiercely.
The Hidden Giants: Fordow and Mt. Kolang Gaz La
Two major Iranian nuclear sites stand out as especially tough nuts to crack.
First up, Fordow, located about 100 miles south of Tehran, is no ordinary facility. It’s carved deep beneath a mountain, shielded by layers of rock and reinforced concrete. According to many defense analysts, the only feasible way to obliterate Fordow would be with massive 30,000-pound bunker-busting bombs — like those deployed by U.S. B-2 Spirit stealth bombers. To put it simply: Israel’s arsenal isn’t built for this kind of heavy demolition.
Then, there’s Mt. Kolang Gaz La, situated near the Natanz uranium enrichment plant — Iran’s main site for spinning uranium southeast of the capital. This complex is also deeply buried, with new satellite images from April revealing Iran has built an even tougher security perimeter around it. The Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) described it as having halls buried deeper than those at Fordow.
In fact, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the U.N.’s nuclear watchdog, hasn’t even been allowed to inspect two nuclear tunnels there.
Why These Sites Matter (and Why They’re So Well Protected)
Iran’s strategy of entrenching these facilities underground isn’t accidental. It’s a clear message: “You can’t just bomb us back to the Stone Age.” The country began building a new hall inside the mountain near Natanz in 2020, reportedly for manufacturing advanced centrifuges — the devices that spin uranium to make it usable for nuclear energy, or potentially weapons.
From Washington to Tel Aviv, officials have been crystal clear: Iran cannot be allowed to develop a nuclear bomb. While Tehran insists its program is peaceful, public discussions from Iranian leaders often hint at a possible weapons capability. That dual message fuels the global tension.
The Reality on the Ground: What Has Israel Actually Hit?
Israel announced last week it was striking Iran’s nuclear and missile sites as part of a so-called “preemptive campaign.” The Israeli military said they hit an “inactive” reactor in Arak — east of Fordow — and a “nuclear weapons development site near Natanz.” According to the Israel Defense Forces, that reactor was built specifically for bomb-making purposes.
Iranian state media confirmed the attack on the Arak reactor and reported damage at the Khondab heavy water facility nearby. The IAEA later confirmed the Khondab reactor was hit but stressed it was still under construction and not operational — so no radiological danger from the strike.
What Satellite Images Tell Us
Satellite images tell a more nuanced story. A private space company, Maxar, captured photos showing damaged buildings at Natanz after Israeli strikes. The IAEA reported that the aboveground sections of the Natanz facility and its power infrastructure were destroyed — though the underground centrifuges themselves weren’t hit directly.
Still, the impact was significant enough to cause power outages, effectively crippling operations. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi described the damage as “severe, if not complete,” putting Iran’s nuclear progress on pause — at least temporarily.
The Broader Military Exchange
Since Israel’s initial strikes, Iran has launched a series of drone and ballistic missile counterattacks. The conflict has continued to escalate, with both sides exchanging blows into Thursday and beyond.
President Donald Trump, at the time, kept a tight-lipped stance, neither confirming nor denying if the U.S. would join offensive actions, despite reports that he had privately approved strike plans. Trump has also warned Iran with tough talk about unleashing “full strength and might” if the U.S. is attacked, sparking even more tension.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, fired back, warning of “irreparable damage” if Washington gets militarily involved.
What Experts Are Saying
William Alberque, a former NATO arms control expert and visiting fellow at the Henry L. Stimson Center, summed it up bluntly: Israel can’t bring down Fordow or Mt. Kolang Gaz La with its current military means.
Nickolas Roth from the Nuclear Threat Initiative pointed out that the operating power plants like Bushehr remain a major concern, as these sites have different risks than the underground enrichment plants.
Iran’s own Atomic Energy Organization head, Mohammad Eslami, confidently stated that the country’s nuclear facilities remain in “good” shape despite the strikes.
So, What’s Next?
Both Israel and the U.S. insist they won’t allow Iran to cross the nuclear threshold. But Tehran is clearly prepared to defend its program fiercely, deep underground and beyond easy reach.
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Deep underground bunkers? Check.
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Massive bunkers needing heavy-duty bombs? Check.
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Ongoing drone and missile attacks? Check.
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No direct hits on the hardest sites yet? Check.
This means the conflict is more than just bombing runs — it’s a cat-and-mouse game involving intelligence, covert operations, and possibly cyber warfare.
Key Takeaways
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Israel’s strikes have damaged important nuclear infrastructure but haven’t destroyed the most heavily fortified sites.
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Fordow and Mt. Kolang Gaz La remain tough targets due to deep underground construction.
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The U.S. plays a shadowy role, with Trump keeping options open but never fully confirming military involvement.
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Iran continues to push forward with its nuclear ambitions while portraying its program as peaceful.
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The stakes are sky-high — any military escalation risks a wider regional conflict.
Why It Matters for the World
If Iran does develop nuclear weapons, it would dramatically shift the Middle East balance and global security dynamics. That’s why countries like Israel and the U.S. are ready to take bold — and risky — steps to prevent that outcome.
But the challenge remains: how do you stop a nuclear program that’s buried miles underground? And what happens if the conflict escalates beyond missile strikes and drone attacks?
This ongoing saga will likely shape international relations, military strategy, and global diplomacy for years to come.
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