DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran’s underground enrichment site at Fordo was targeted again on Monday, following a missile and drone attack from Iran aimed at Israel. This escalation comes after warnings from Iranian officials that the United States has given its military a "free hand" to strike American targets in response to recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
On Sunday, the Fordo facility was among the installation struck in an attack. Iranian state television reported a second strike on Monday, though there were no immediate updates on the extent of the damage or confirmation on who launched the attack. However, Israel confirmed it was conducting airstrikes on Iranian locations. Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), indicated that severe damage is likely at the Fordo facility as a result of Sunday’s U.S. airstrikes, which utilized advanced bunker-buster bombs.
The U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, including Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan, have embroiled the United States in Israel's conflict with Iran, which raises fears of wider regional instability. Iranian officials denounced the U.S. actions as crossing "a very big red line" and characterized them as a dangerous gamble involving missile strikes and bombs weighing 30,000 pounds.
Officials from Iran, such as Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesperson for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, claimed that the country had proactively removed nuclear materials from the targeted sites in anticipation of the attacks. Grossi informed the IAEA board on Monday that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had previously indicated that Iran would adopt measures to safeguard its nuclear materials, emphasizing that any such transfers would need to be declared.
On Monday, Iran launched what it termed a new wave of its Operation "True Promise 3," targeting Israeli cities including Haifa and Tel Aviv. Explosions were reported in Jerusalem, although immediate damage assessments were unavailable. In Tehran, satellite images indicated Iranian capital areas were struck by airstrikes, including one on Evin Prison—known for housing dual nationals and political prisoners, with significant ties to Western nations. Israel has not confirmed its involvement in that specific airstrike but has previously affirmed its military operations against Iranian positions.
In light of the ongoing attacks, Iranian military leadership warned Washington that the strikes have granted Iranian forces latitude to act against U.S. interests in the region, highlighting the vulnerability of tens of thousands of American troops situated across Middle Eastern bases within range of Iranian missiles. The U.S. classified its Sunday airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities as a one-time operation aimed at neutralizing Iran's nuclear program, but President Donald Trump has indicated further military actions could occur if Tehran retaliates.
Concerned about the potential for conflict escalation, global calls for de-escalation and a return to diplomatic negotiations have surfaced. The European Union’s chief diplomat commented on the situation, emphasizing the necessity of avoiding an escalation, particularly regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials have reiterated that they could close this vital shipping lane, a move that would have dire implications for global oil transport.
Iran maintains that its nuclear program is intended for civilian purposes, having previously accepted limits on uranium enrichment and facilitated access for international inspectors under a 2015 agreement with several world powers, including the U.S. However, following the U.S. withdrawal from the agreement in 2018 under President Trump, Iran ramped up its uranium enrichment to 60% and curtailed inspector access to its facilities.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul urged Iran to resume direct discussions with the United States, asserting that negotiating with the U.S. is crucial for resolving the ongoing conflict while affirming the role of Europe in facilitating dialogue. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, highlighting Iran’s efforts to engage with its allies amidst the escalating tensions.
