Before And After Satellite Images Reveal Dramatic Changes At Iran’s Nuclear Sites Following US Bombing, As Expert Breaks Down The Impact

On June 21, the former US President revealed the operation, stating that American forces had hit three specific nuclear locations: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

Trump’s decision to step into the growing conflict followed Israel’s earlier large-scale assault on Iran’s military and nuclear assets. That initial clash prompted Iran to respond with waves of missiles. So far, these escalations are believed to have caused nearly 1,000 deaths, according to early reports.

Later, on his Truth Social platform, he elaborated by saying: “Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran, as shown by satellite images. Obliteration is an accurate term!”

Donald Trump described the attack on Iran as ‘successful’Carlos Barria – Pool/Getty Images

Fordow

At first glance, Fordow doesn’t look all that remarkable in the satellite images taken by Maxar Technologies on June 20.

However, experts believe the most critical parts of the site are actually built deep within the surrounding mountain, making it incredibly difficult to strike effectively.

This facility is home to centrifuges that are used to enrich uranium material that Israel suspects could be used by Iran to build a nuclear bomb.

Satellite photos taken before the bombing show roads that weave around the site and lead up to a large white building. Interestingly, that building appears to be mostly intact in the images taken after the attack on June 22.

Before

Despite its fortified location, it’s believed the US used specialized bombs capable of penetrating deep underground to reach Fordow. After the bombing, satellite photos revealed six visible craters and areas covered in grey ash, suggesting a significant impact on the landscape.

David Albright, who is the president of the Institute for Science and International Security, explained to CNN that the photos clearly point to ‘a considerable amount of damage’ at the site. He highlighted that the enrichment hall, along with other adjacent halls that support uranium enrichment, likely suffered extensive harm.

He also said: “Total destruction of the underground hall is quite possible.”

The landscape at Fordow appeared largely untouched before the attacksMaxar Technologies

After

N.R. Jenzen-Jones, a specialist in military munitions and director of Armament Research Services (ARES), spoke with CNN and pointed out that the large central holes seen in the post-strike images are ‘consistent with the theory of an attack on such a deeply buried target as the Fordow site’.

Ash can be seen covering the landscape in photos captured on June 22Maxar Technologies

Natanz

Trump’s airstrike on Natanz came not long after Israel had already hit the same facility on June 13 during its own offensive against Iran.

Unlike Fordow, the Natanz complex features a number of buildings that are above ground, in addition to three structures located underground. During Israel’s earlier attack, it was these above-ground buildings that were primarily damaged.

Now, new satellite pictures from Maxar Technologies show dark markings across the site that resemble craters. These new impacts from US bombs are believed to sit directly above critical parts of the underground infrastructure.

Craters can be seen at the Natanz site in images captured by Maxar’s satellitesMaxar Technologies

Isfaha

Sitting in central Iran, Isfahan is home to the country’s largest nuclear research facility, which has been operational since way back in 1984.

Photos taken on June 16 showed a wide area filled with numerous buildings. But after the US airstrike, updated images revealed that much of the area had been blanketed in ash or debris, and several buildings appeared either severely damaged or completely reduced to rubble.

Before

An assessment released by the Institute for Science and International Security on June 22 stated that the Isfahan site had been ‘heavily damaged’ following the attack.

The institute’s review also referenced satellite photos which appeared to show that entrances to tunnels at the site had been filled in with dirt or debris. They explained this by saying: “This is likely a precautionary measure to contain an explosion or prevent the dispersion of hazardous material from exiting the facility.”

Isfahan’s complex was made up of multiple buildingsMaxar Technologies

After

The same report confirmed that Isfahan’s primary uranium conversion facility had also sustained damage. This specific facility plays an essential role in turning natural uranium into a gas that can be processed in centrifuges.

Multiple buildings were damaged or completely destroyed in the attackMaxar Technologies

For uranium to be suitable for weapons, it must be enriched to about 90 percent purity.