President Trump claimed that Iran’s nuclear facilities had been “obliterated,” and U.S. officials say the recent strikes on three major Iranian nuclear sites have dealt a heavy blow to the country’s nuclear program. However, independent analysts reviewing commercial satellite imagery say Iran’s longstanding nuclear infrastructure remains largely intact.
As satellite imagery from the overnight strikes begins to surface, here’s what is currently known about the extent of the damage the U.S. inflicted on Iran’s nuclear program.
FORDOW
Fordow is Iran’s most heavily fortified nuclear enrichment facility, built deep within a mountain to protect it from potential airstrikes. Experts have long maintained that only the U.S. possesses the weaponry capable of reaching that depth—specifically, the 30,000-pound GBU-57 bunker-busting bomb.
A CNN analysis of satellite imagery revealed at least six large craters at the Fordow site, indicating the likely use of such deep-penetrating munitions. The images, provided by Maxar Technologies, show six distinct impact craters in two separate areas along a ridge above the underground complex.
Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), told CNN there had been a “direct kinetic impact” on the Fordow facility. However, he cautioned that it is too early to determine the extent of internal damage to the underground structures.
“Of course, one cannot exclude the possibility that there is significant damage there,” Grossi added.
New Images via ????@Maxar
High-resolution satellite imagery collected this morning June 22nd after Operation Midnight Hammer reveals aftermath of airstrikes on the Fordow fuel enrichment facility.
Note: The sequences begins “Before Overview” then “After Overview” including… pic.twitter.com/mjk3kTsG3E
— Catherine Herridge (@C__Herridge) June 22, 2025
NATANZ
Natanz is Iran’s largest nuclear enrichment facility and was initially targeted by Israel during its June 13 strike. Israel’s initial attack damaged above-ground facilities, with the IAEA confirming that electrical infrastructure at the plant was hit.
The U.S. struck Natanz during its Saturday night operation, and a B-2 bomber dropped two bunker-busting bombs on the facility, while U.S. Navy submarines launched 30 Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAMs) at both Natanz and Isfahan, another key nuclear site.
Satellite imagery analyzed by CNN shows two fresh craters at Natanz, likely caused by the bunker-busting bombs. The full extent of underground damage remains unclear.
High-quality photo of MAXAR at the infiltration point in Natanz pic.twitter.com/I58okTHVDM
— Major Anthony Jones (@majorbrainpain) June 22, 2025
ISFAHAN
Located in central Iran, Isfahan is home to the country’s largest nuclear research complex. Following U.S. airstrikes, satellite imagery analyzed by CNN revealed at least 18 structures either destroyed or heavily damaged. The site appeared blackened, with significant amounts of debris and rubble visible, indicating the intensity of the bombardment.
A report released on Sunday by the Institute for Science and International Security concluded that the Isfahan complex had been “heavily damaged,” and the facility’s main uranium conversion plant was “severely damaged.”
Isfahan Nuclear Technology/Research Center, before and after. (Maxar) pic.twitter.com/BaVZkXLuak
— ILRedAlert (@ILRedAlert) June 22, 2025
WHAT WAS LEFT STANDING?
Despite the extensive damage inflicted on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, significant elements of the program remain intact.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran still possesses over 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%—an amount that, experts say, could be sufficient for approximately ten nuclear bombs. This highly enriched uranium is stored in relatively small containers, compact enough to be transported in cars, making it potentially easy to relocate.
In addition, Iran is believed to have thousands of centrifuges that were never installed at Natanz or Fordow. This means the country could, in theory, transfer its stockpile of enriched uranium to an undisclosed site and continue enrichment to weapons-grade levels (90%) in a relatively short time.
However, even with such material in hand, Iran would still need to complete several complex steps to convert the enriched uranium into a functional nuclear weapon.
