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Iran May Be Rebuilding Fordow Nuclear Site After U.S. Bombing, New Satellite Images Reveal

June 28, 2025, 10:57 am

New satellite images now suggest that Iran has started expanding the Fordow nuclear facility, just days after U.S. B-2 stealth bombers hit it under Operation Midnight Hammer on June 21–22.

Fresh Construction Spotted

Photos from Maxar Technologies show heavy machinery operating at the site. Moreover, images reveal fresh construction, disturbed soil, and new access roads. These signs indicate that Iran is possibly working fast to rebuild or modify the damaged area.

Iran May Have Planned Ahead

Interestingly, analysts believe Iran may have prepared for the attack. According to experts, tunnel entrances at Fordow appeared sealed off before the bombings. The U.S. used Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs) to target the underground site.

Meanwhile, a report by the Open Source Centre in London pointed out that Iran might have expected the strike. However, no one knows for sure what was moved out of the facility, if anything at all.

What the Satellite Images Reveal

The most recent images show bulldozers and earth-moving machines near the northern tunnel complex. These bulldozers are clearing or shifting soil near a large crater, which likely came from one of the bombs.

Earlier photos from June 19–20 already showed trucks and construction vehicles at the same spot. Experts believe these machines were used to block or reinforce the entrances.

Now, those entrances look completely buried in dirt. Additionally, debris from the bombing is scattered across the area.

Was the Fordow Site Really Destroyed?

The U.S. government claimed that its strikes “obliterated” the Fordow facility. But new evidence suggests otherwise. Analysts say Iran might have already moved its enriched uranium to a safer place before the bombing.

If that’s true, Iran preserved key parts of its nuclear program, even though the site was hit hard.

Can Iran Still Make a Nuclear Bomb?

According to Ronen Solomon, an Israeli intelligence expert, Iran may not be able to build a nuclear weapon just yet. He explained the situation by saying, “They have the uranium, but they can’t do a lot with it unless they have built something we don’t know about on a small scale.” Solomon compared it to having tools but missing a key part. “It’s like having fuel without a car,” he said.

What Is The Strait of Hormuz Vital & How Its Closure Could Crash the Global Economy? | TDG Explainer

June 23, 2025, 3:04 pm

Iran’s parliament has approved a plan to close one of the world’s most important trade routes, the Strait of Hormuz, where more than 20% of global oil passes every day. This decision was made after US President Donald Trump launched airstrikes on three of Iran’s nuclear sites, raising fears of a bigger conflict in the Middle East.

With the US joining Israel in its largest military move against Iran since 1979, the world now waits to see how Iran will respond.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global chokepoint due to its strategic and economic significance:

1. Oil and Gas Transit: It’s the world’s most important oil transit route, with roughly 20-30% of global oil supply (about 21 million barrels per day) and significant liquefied… pic.twitter.com/OD2K1k8si2

— GMan (Ґленн) ☘️🇬🇧🇺🇦🇺🇸🇵🇱🇮🇱🍊🌻 (@FAB87F) June 22, 2025

What Is the Strait of Hormuz?

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important oil passages. It is crucial not only for the United States but for the entire global economy, which depends heavily on oil flowing through it.

Between Oman and Iran, this narrow waterway connects the Arabian Sea in the south with the Gulf of Oman in the north. The Strait, which is 33 kilometres wide at its narrowest point and with shipping lanes that are barely 3 kilometres wide in either direction, is extremely vulnerable during times of conflict.

Why Is It So Important?

About one-fifth of the world’s oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Since early 2022, between 17.8 and 20.8 million barrels of crude oil, condensate, and fuels have moved through it daily, according to Vortexa.

OPEC countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, the UAE, Kuwait, and Iraq send most of their oil through this route. Their main buyers are in Asia. The US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, based in Bahrain, protects the ships passing through this vital waterway.

How Would The Closure Affect the Global Economy?

If Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices would spike immediately. This would trigger inflation in the US and worldwide. Rising fuel costs would quickly put pressure on President Trump, as consumers would feel the impact right away.

However, closing the Strait would also hurt Iran. It relies on the same route to export its own oil. Gulf Arab countries, already angry over Israel’s military actions, might see this as a threat and act to protect their interests. This could lead to a wider conflict.

China, which buys almost 90% of Iran’s oil, would also suffer. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged China to intervene. He told Fox News: “I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing to call them about that, because they heavily depend on the Strait of Hormuz for their oil. If they do that, it will be another terrible mistake. It’s economic suicide for them if they do it.”

Reports already suggest that some large oil tankers have turned back to avoid the risky waterway after the US strikes.

This is the Strait of Hormuz.

It’s possibly the most critical maritime chokepoint in the world.pic.twitter.com/IumlkpOnY2

— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) June 22, 2025

What Has Iran Said About the Strait of Hormuz?

Iranian state media, Press TV, reported that parliament approved the closure of the Strait, but the final decision rests with Iran’s top leaders. Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi warned that Trump’s decision to attack “will have everlasting consequences.” Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that Israel had made a “grave mistake” and “must be punished,” though he did not mention the Strait directly.

What Could Iran Do in Response to US Strikes on Its Nuclear Sites | TDG Explainer

June 23, 2025, 1:07 pm

Over the weekend, the United States launched airstrikes on three key Iranian nuclear sites—Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. This action officially pulls the US into the ongoing Israel–Iran conflict, making it highly unlikely that Iran will remain idle. According to Ellie Geranmayeh of the European Council on Foreign Relations, Iran’s swift retaliation is now “inevitable” and expected to be “multi‐layered” . Despite limited conventional strength after previous Israeli strikes, Iran wants the US and Israel to “lose,” even if it cannot outright win .

Potential Retaliation Routes

1. Direct Hit on US Forces in the Region

Iran could target American infrastructure or troops stationed in the Middle East. The US has about 40,000 soldiers across 20 bases in countries like Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, UAE, Iraq, and Syria.

Experts suggest Iran might announce limited strikes on US-linked facilities—without causing casualties—to send a warning while leaving space for de-escalation .
Bloomberg analyst Dina Esfandiary notes this approach allows Iran to signal strength without igniting a full-blown conflict.

2. Cyber Warfare Attacks

Iran boasts strong cyber capabilities. The cyber group CyberAv3ngers, linked to the IRGC, is reportedly behind high-profile hacks—and even has a $10 million US bounty on its head . Iran might use these digital weapons against critical US infrastructure during its response.

3. Disrupting the Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz handles about 20% of global oil exports and is crucial to China, India, and Western nations.

Iran could mine the waters or use missile and boat attacks to intimidate ships.
If the route closes, oil prices could spike to $120 per barrel, possibly pushing US inflation up to 5% .
The uncertainty itself may pressure Western economies to seek de-escalation.

4. Attacking Oil Infrastructure

While less probable, Iran might strike energy facilities in friendly Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia or the UAE—similar to the 2019 Houthi attacks that disrupted Saudi’s oil output by nearly half.

5. Pursuing Nuclear Capabilities

Although the US took out three nuclear sites, analysts say Iran may still retain enriched uranium . Feeling cornered, Tehran could accelerate a nuclear weapons program—marking the most dangerous possible escalation.

Additional Context and Stakes

Strategic Politics: Iran may also retaliate through proxies in Lebanon (Hezbollah), Yemen (Houthis), or Iraq—all of which could target US or Israeli interests across the region.
Global Security: While cyberspace and oil routes are likely targets, Iran might try to limit civilian casualties to avoid an all-out war.
Diplomacy in Play: Behind the scenes, countries like Turkey, Russia, and China may push for negotiations to prevent further escalation.
Time Factor: Iran must strike a balance—it needs to react quickly to achieve deterrence, but without provoking a larger conflict.

Iran’s response will likely span military, cyber, and economic domains. It may involve targeted strikes against US infrastructure, cyberattacks, disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, possible Gulf-region energy sabotage, and perhaps even nuclear escalation—all calibrated to maximize impact while avoiding total war.

Ukraine Backs Operation Midnight Hammer While Russia Mocks Trump’s Nobel Prize Hopes

June 23, 2025, 1:02 pm

Operation Midnight Hammer has triggered global reactions after the US had launched airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. Ukraine backed the strikes and even called Iran’s nuclear program a global threat and condemning its support for Russia’s war on Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Russia has mocked the US President Donald Trump, dismissing his hopes for a Nobel Peace Prize.

Ukraine Supports Operation Midnight Hammer

Ukraine’s foreign ministry publicly supported the recent US airstrikes on Iran, which targeted three nuclear sites under the code name Operation Midnight Hammer. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha echoed President Trump’s firm stance, stating, “Ukraine is convinced that Iran’s nuclear program must be brought to an end so that it never again poses a threat neither to the countries of the Middle East nor to any other state.”

The statement emphasised that years of peaceful efforts to stop Iran’s nuclear ambitions have failed and justified the US strikes. Ukraine also accused Iran of fueling Russia’s war against Ukraine by supplying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and military technology. The foreign ministry declared, “Iran is complicit in the crime of aggression against Ukraine.

The Iranian regime is providing military assistance to Russia, including the supply of UAVs and technologies that Russia consistently uses to kill people and destroy critical infrastructure.” These accusations underline Ukraine’s support for stronger measures against Iran’s activities.

Russia Mocks Trump Over Nobel Prize

While Ukraine sided with the US, Russia ridiculed Trump after the strikes. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev mocked Trump’s aspirations for the Nobel Peace Prize. On X (formerly Twitter), Medvedev wrote, “At this rate, Trump can forget about the Nobel Peace Prize, not even with how rigged it has become. What a way to kick things off, Mr President.”

US Vice President JD Vance dismissed Medvedev’s remarks, calling them bizarre. He said, “I don’t know that guy speaks for President Putin or for the Russian government.” Vance also clarified Russia’s position, adding, “[Russia has] been very consistent that they don’t want Iran to get a nuclear weapon.”

He concluded that only President Vladimir Putin can state Russia’s official stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Iran Outsmarted US Strikes on Fordow Plant, Raising New Nuclear Threat

June 23, 2025, 12:42 pm

The Fordow Plant in Iran has become the centre of new revelations after US military strikes. While US President Donald Trump declared that the nuclear sites were “completely and totally obliterated,” Israeli officials told The New York Times that Iran had already moved a large stockpile of uranium and key equipment before the attack, possibly outsmarting the US.

Fordow Plant Uranium Moved

US airstrikes directly hit the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, one of Iran’s main nuclear sites, along with Natanz and Isfahan. Satellite images confirmed that the Fordow site, located beneath a mountain south of Tehran, sustained heavy damage.

Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei fools Donald Trump.
Iran’s uranium somehow vanished before the US missile strikes on the Fordow nuclear facility yesterday. pic.twitter.com/lChsWwyAYJ

— Zyx (@thoughtfulsage) June 22, 2025

However, two Israeli officials revealed that Iran had already moved 400 kilograms of uranium, enriched to 60% purity, just below weapons-grade level, before the strikes. While the US administration delayed its decision on deploying ground forces, Iran used the opportunity to secure its uranium stockpile.

If Iran further enriches this stockpile, it could produce enough material for multiple nuclear weapons. Although the strikes raised concerns about radiation leaks, Iran assured that no radioactive materials remained at the targeted sites.

US Admits Intelligence Gaps

The New York Times reported that several senior US officials admitted they do not know the current location of the uranium. Vice President JD Vance confirmed this uncertainty in an interview with ABC, saying, “That’s one of the things that we’re going to have conversations with the Iranians about.”

His remarks show that future negotiations will likely focus on finding and controlling Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and the new chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Caine, gave assessments that directly contrasted with Trump’s bold claims. Both stated that the strikes caused significant damage but refused to describe the sites as destroyed.

The Israeli military backed this more cautious assessment. US forces used B-2 stealth bombers equipped with expensive bunker buster bombs to hit the Fordow Plant, which was long considered resistant to Israeli attacks.

This facility can produce enough weapons-grade material for up to nine nuclear bombs in less than a month, raising serious concerns about global security.

China Issues First Response, Slams US Airstrikes on Iranian Nuclear Sites

June 23, 2025, 12:34 pm

China strongly condemned the US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. It said the attacks violated the UN Charter and international law. In a short official statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said, “The US move seriously violates the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law and exacerbates tensions in the Middle East.” It also urged all parties, “especially Israel,” to stop fighting immediately.

This marked China’s first official reaction since the US military bombed Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. Earlier, China’s foreign-language broadcaster called the move “a dangerous turning point.”

Chinese media reacts sharply

The Global Times, China’s state-run newspaper, warned that the US strikes might push the Iran-Israel conflict “closer toward an uncontrollable state.” US President Donald Trump had ordered the strikes using B-2 stealth bombers and Tomahawk missiles. He claimed they “totally and completely obliterated” Iran’s nuclear sites.

China stays cautious

Although China condemned the US, it has not offered any help to Iran. Experts say China fears more US sanctions. Beijing already faces trade restrictions from Washington. Also, China depends heavily on the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran might close if the war escalates.

This narrow passage is vital for global oil. It carries nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply. China buys almost half of Iran’s sea-shipped crude oil. Any closure would badly affect China’s energy needs.

US urges China to talk to Iran

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Beijing to speak with Iranian leaders. He said, “I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing to call them about that because they heavily depend on the Straits of Hormuz for their oil.”

In short, China wants peace. It condemned the US strikes but remains careful not to get pulled deeper into the conflict.

US Airstrikes Risk Triggering Global Crisis As Leaders Warn Of Catastrophic Fallout

June 22, 2025, 6:23 pm

In response to US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear installations, there are numerous world leaders who have warned of dire repercussions should the situation develop. In its first direct intervention in Israel’s war with Tehran, the US military launched attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan on Sunday.

Leaders Condemn US Airstrikes

Iran strongly condemned the strikes. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the attacks “outrageous” and warned they would have “everlasting consequences.” He called the strikes “lawless and criminal,” and said Iran has the right to defend itself under international law. Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation called the operation “barbaric” and promised that its nuclear work would continue.

China also criticised the strikes through its state media. CGTN called the attack “a dangerous turning point” and warned that the US might be repeating mistakes like the Iraq war. China urged Washington to choose diplomacy instead of risking more conflict in the region.

The United Nations expressed serious concern. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the conflict could get out of control, with “catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world.” He called for diplomacy and urged all countries to help de-escalate the crisis.

Fears of Escalation Spread

Israel supported the strikes. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called President Trump’s decision “historic,” saying, “Your bold decision will change history.” He said this action fulfilled Israel’s long-standing goal of weakening Iran’s nuclear program.

On the other hand, Hamas called the strikes “blatant aggression” and a violation of international law. Saudi Arabia said it was watching the situation closely. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer recognized the nuclear threat but urged Iran to return to talks, stressing that diplomacy was necessary to avoid further instability.

In the US, Democrats criticized Trump’s decision. Congressman Hakeem Jeffries called it unconstitutional and reckless, saying Trump is fully responsible for any consequences. Leaders from New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and Australia also urged calm, warning that further conflict could lead to a much bigger crisis.

Airlines Reroute Flights Amid Tensions After US Strikes on Iran

June 22, 2025, 11:38 am

Airlines continued to avoid major parts of the Middle East on Sunday following the recent US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. According to flight tracking platform FlightRadar24, flight patterns in the region have changed significantly due to safety concerns after ongoing missile exchanges.

Airspace Avoidance Continues

FlightRadar24 posted on social media platform X, stating, “Following US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, commercial traffic in the region is operating as it has since new airspace restrictions were put into place last week.”

Their tracking maps showed that no commercial aircraft were flying over Iran, Iraq, Syria, or Israel. Instead, airlines opted for longer routes, either going north through the Caspian Sea or south via Egypt and Saudi Arabia. These alternative paths lead to increased fuel and crew expenses, as well as longer travel times.

Rising Threats to Air Travel

The growing number of global conflict zones, marked by frequent missile and drone strikes, poses a serious threat to civil aviation.

Since Israel launched strikes on Iran on June 13, many airlines have halted flights to countries in the region. Some evacuation and repatriation flights have continued, mainly from nearby countries or for Israeli citizens.

Israel Suspends Flights

Israel’s top airlines, El Al and Arkia, announced on Sunday that they were suspending all ongoing rescue flights that had helped bring back Israeli citizens. El Al also said that all scheduled flights would remain canceled through June 27.

Israel’s airports authority confirmed the country’s airspace remained closed for all flights. However, land border crossings with Egypt and Jordan were still open.

Evacuations Underway

Japan’s foreign ministry reported that it had evacuated 21 people from Iran, including 16 Japanese nationals. They were moved overland to Azerbaijan. This was the second evacuation effort by Japan since Thursday, and the ministry said it was prepared to carry out more if needed.

Meanwhile, New Zealand announced on Sunday that it would deploy a C-130J Hercules military aircraft to the Middle East. The plane, along with government staff, was scheduled to leave Auckland on Monday. Officials noted that the aircraft would take several days to arrive in the region.

The New Zealand government also said it was in discussions with commercial airlines to explore additional evacuation options for its citizens if required.