Satellite Photos Shows U.S. Bomb Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Site

By Orgesta Tolaj

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23 June 2025

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© Maxar Technologies

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On June 21–22, 2025, the U.S. deployed a dramatic strike operation—dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer—launching bunker-buster bombs and cruise missiles at Iran’s top nuclear facilities, including the deeply buried Fordow enrichment plant, as well as Natanz and Isfahan.

Satellite imagery captured before-and-after scenes of Fordow show cratered ridges, blocked tunnel entrances, and debris clouds atop the underground complex.

Strike Capabilities Unleashed

Pentagon officials confirmed that seven B‑2 Spirit stealth bombers carried fourteen GBU‑57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators—each weighing 30,000 pounds—into the strike, followed by over twenty Tomahawk missiles from a submarine hitting surface targets in Isfahan. This marked the first combat use of bunker-buster bombs.

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© MAXAR Technologies

Reading the Satellite Footprint

Pre-strike images show a clean mountaintop and clear tunnel entrances. In the aftermath, large craters are visible on the ridge, with ash, debris, and rubble scattered—signs of deep-ground penetration. Tunnel openings appear to be clogged, likely by debris or soil collapsed in from tunneling explosions.

Iran and U.S. Dispute Scope of Damage

While U.S. officials described the strikes as having “completely obliterated” Iran’s enrichment capacity Presenter President Trump warned of broader targets if Iran retaliated. Iran downplayed the impact, claiming only structural elements were affected and no radioactive release occurred . The IAEA confirmed it detected no elevated off-site radiation levels.

Strategic and Diplomatic Implications

This marks a significant moment in the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, representing the U.S.’s first direct military intervention in Iran’s nuclear apparatus .

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© MAXAR Technologies

Iran responded with missile barrages targeting Israel, prompting fears of a full-scale regional confrontation. Global leaders and international organizations—including the U.N., EU, China, and Russia—have urgently called for restraint and diplomatic negotiation.

Looking Ahead: Can Diplomacy Play Its Hand?

With the Fordow enrichment program likely set back years, the question turns to what follows: Will further strikes occur? Will this act compel Iran back to the negotiating table—or further entrench a tit-for-tat cycle of attacks and reprisals?

iran
© MAXAR Technologies

Analysts warn this move could spark prolonged instability. U.S. defense leaders stress readiness to defend against any retaliation. Observers say the live images signal both the destructive power of modern ordinances and the urgent need for renewed diplomacy to avert a deepening crisis.

You might also want to read: What Did Trump Say About Iran? His 6 Words Spark Global Concern

Orgesta Tolaj

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