Growing tensions between Israel and Iran have brought the Fordow nuclear site in Iran back into the public eye

What is Fordow?

Fordow is Iran’s most fortified subterranean uranium enrichment site, crucial to its possible nuclear weapons initiative.

Location: Found close to Qom, southwest of Tehran, the location is buried 80 meters deep within a mountain.

Structural Characteristics:

Subterranean complex strengthened with earth, stone, and cement.

Encircled by complex air defense systems, incorporating missiles from Iran and Russia.

Built to withstand conventional military air attacks.

In operation since: 2009 (verified by IAEA).

Importance:

Hosts the enrichment of uranium to 60%, alarmingly near weapons-grade levels.

Plays a crucial role in Iran’s capability to develop nuclear weapons.

Emblem of Iran's defiance against Western nuclear regulation.