### Tensions Escalate: Ongoing Activity at Iran's Fordow Nuclear Site Post US Airstrikes - On June 22, 2025, the United States launched "Operation Midnight Hammer," deploying 125 aircraft, including B-2 Stealth bombers, to target three key Iranian nuclear facilities: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. This operation aimed to significantly disrupt Iran's nuclear capabilities amid rising geopolitical tensions [https://indianexpress.com/article/world/satellite-images-work-ongoing-iran-fordow-nuclear-site-bombed-by-us-10098862]. - Recent satellite images from Maxar Technologies reveal that work is still ongoing at the Fordow nuclear site, contradicting earlier claims from the Trump administration that the facility had been completely shut down [https://www.financialexpress.com/world-news/fordow-still-active-new-satellite-images-reveal-ongoing-work-at-iranian-nuclear-site-bombed-by-us/3898894]. ### Breakdown of Current Developments at Fordow Nuclear Site 1. **US Airstrikes and Immediate Aftermath** - The US airstrikes on Fordow were part of a broader military operation aimed at crippling Iran's nuclear ambitions. The strikes utilized bunker-buster bombs to target underground facilities [https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/satelline-images-fordow-nuclear-site-iran-war-israel-b2779366.html]. 2. **Satellite Imagery Insights** - High-resolution satellite images taken shortly after the bombing show construction vehicles, including excavators, actively working at the site. This indicates that Iran is attempting to repair and possibly expand the facility [https://www.irishstar.com/news/us-news/activity-spotted-satellites-iran-nuclear-35477164]. - Reports highlight the presence of bulldozers and personnel, suggesting a significant effort to restore operations at Fordow [https://nypost.com/2025/06/27/world-news/iranian-construction-crews-working-at-fordow-nuclear-site-satellite-images-show]. 3. **Expansion and Reconstruction Efforts** - New satellite images indicate that Iran is not only repairing the damage but also expanding the Fordow site. Observations of fresh earth movement and new access roads suggest ongoing construction activities [https://www.firstpost.com/world/latest-satellite-images-confirm-iran-now-expanding-its-fordow-site-after-us-bombings-13901212.html]. - The presence of sealed tunnels and renewed excavation efforts further supports the notion that Iran is actively working to enhance its nuclear capabilities despite the recent airstrikes [https://www.moneycontrol.com/world/iran-expanding-fordow-nuclear-site-after-us-bunker-buster-strikes-what-new-satellite-images-reveal-article-13197033.html]. ### Summary of Findings and Implications - **Key Conclusions:** 1. The US airstrikes on Fordow have not halted Iran's nuclear activities; rather, they appear to have spurred a rapid response in terms of reconstruction and expansion. 2. Satellite imagery confirms ongoing construction and repair efforts, challenging previous assertions of a complete shutdown of the facility. 3. The situation at Fordow underscores the complexities of international relations regarding nuclear proliferation and the potential for escalating tensions in the region. - **Implications for Future Relations:** - The ongoing activity at Fordow may lead to increased scrutiny from international bodies and could provoke further military or diplomatic responses from the US and its allies. The situation remains fluid, with potential ramifications for regional stability and nuclear non-proliferation efforts [https://caliber.az/en/post/iran-rebuilds-fordow-nuclear-site-after-us-bunker-buster-strikes].