Peeking at Iran's Nuclear Sites from Space: A Layman's Guide
Aerial images reveal the appearance of Iran's atomic sites from the cosmos.
Strap in, as we dive into the heart of the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, focusing on Iran's nuclear facilities. Here's an easy-to-digest breakdown of the key facilities and what's been happening there.
The Nuclear hub of Natanz
Located south of the holy Shia city of Qom, Natanz is a bustling hub of Iran's nuclear program. The facility, enclosed by earth mounds, fences, and checkpoints, boasts not one but two uranium enrichment plants, the Fuel Enrichment Plant (FEP) and the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant (PFEP).
The FEP, situated beneath the surface, was reportedly targeted in the recent Israeli strikes. A plethora of anti-aircraft positions, watchtowers, and a secure control strip surround the facility, making it a hard target to hit. The FEP is designed to accommodate up to 50,000 centrifuges, with around 16,000 currently installed, enriching uranium to up to five percent purity.
The above-ground PFEP houses several hundred centrifuges, enriching uranium up to 60 percent. The extent of the damage there is still unclear, but it seems that no radioactivity was released, and radiation levels remain stable, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The Civilian Side: The Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant
Unlike Natanz, the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, located near the Persian Gulf, serves mostly civilian purposes, generating electricity. Completed with Russian assistance in 2013, the unique concrete-domed reactor hosts one Russian-designed pressurized water reactor with a nominal capacity of 915 megawatts. More reactors are under construction at the site, promising an increase in Iran's nuclear capabilities.
The Mysterious Fordo Enrichment Facility
Tucked away in the mountains north of Qom, Fordo is an almost entirely underground enrichment facility. Officials in Tehran treat it as a secret matter, leading to widespread speculation about its purpose. The site shows signs of extensive construction activity, with several tunnel entrances leading into the mountains. The complex is fortified with earth walls and fences, similar to Natanz.
Diplomats claim that Iran hosts around 2,000 centrifuges in operation at Fordo, most of them advanced IR-6 machines, capable of enriching uranium up to 60 percent.
Other Key Sites: Isfahan and Arak
On the outskirts of Isfahan, the second-largest city in Iran, lie Iran's secret nuclear technology center and the Heavy Water Reactor Arak. The Isfahan complex includes a facility for producing nuclear fuel and a uranium conversion plant, where uranium can be processed into uranium hexafluoride, crucial for the function of centrifuges. The IAEA reported that there are machines for producing centrifuge components at Isfahan and designated it as a "new location" in 2022.
Near the city of Arak, a partially completed heavy water research reactor has been subject to several mysterious explosions. Known for easy plutonium production, the reactor has been a key concern among global nuclear watchdogs. The current status of the reactor remains unknown.
In summary, Iran's nuclear program has shown significant progress, with key facilities spread across the country. The most recent Israeli strikes have put a dent in Iran's nuclear ambitions, particularly impacting the Natanz facility. As tensions continue to rise, the international community closely monitors Iran's progress in the nuclear sphere.
- Iran
- Nuclear Program
- Military
- Israeli Strikes
- Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant
- Fordo Nuclear Facility
- Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center
- Heavy Water Reactor Arak
Enrichment Data:
As of mid-June 2025, the status of Iran’s uranium enrichment facilities—particularly the Natanz and Fordo sites—has been significantly impacted following Israeli strikes aimed at disrupting Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Natanz Uranium Enrichment Site:
- Location: 220 kilometers southeast of Tehran.
- Status: Suffered extensive damage, with key infrastructure, such as electric substations, generators, and emergency backup systems, destroyed. The underground section's power loss has likely disrupted activities.
Fordo Uranium Enrichment Facility:
- Location: Buried deep beneath a mountain, near the town of Fordo, south of Tehran.
- Status: Israel reportedly struck near the facility, but direct damage to the deeply buried enrichment halls remains unconfirmed.
Overall Nuclear Posture:
- Uranium Enrichment Capability: Prior to the strikes, Iran’s installed enrichment capacity was about 64,000 separative work units (swu) per year, with operational centrifuge capacity around 50,000 swu/year.
- Stockpile: Iran has significantly increased its low enriched uranium (LEU) stockpile, with the primary focus on accumulating 60% enriched uranium.
- IAEA Monitoring: Limited monitoring due to Iran’s suspension of the Additional Protocol.
Community policy should address international cooperation to ensure transparency in Iran's nuclear program, considering the recent technological advancements and disagreements emphasized by the Israeli strikes. Employment policy within the governed facilities might need adjustments to accommodate potential influx of workers due to repairs and expansion plans, following the damage caused by the Israeli attacks.
