A New Wave of Israeli Strikes Reported Near Iran’s Fordow Nuke Facility/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Two explosions were reported near Iran’s Fordow underground nuclear site south of Tehran, following an earlier strike on Natanz. Israel claims it notified the U.S. ahead of the operation, while Iran vows deep retaliation and has summoned the Swiss ambassador. Meanwhile, Israel mobilizes reservists, seals the West Bank, and Iranian internet restrictions follow.
Fordow Nuclear Attack Quick Looks
- Explosions near Fordow: Two blasts reported by Fars News near the underground Fordow nuclear facility.
- Natanz also struck: Israel reportedly targeted Natanz earlier, prompting international concern.
- Uranium enrichment alarm: Fordow previously found containing uranium enriched to 83.7%.
- Israel notified U.S.: PM Netanyahu says Washington was informed prior to the strike.
- Iran protests: Swiss ambassador summoned over alleged U.S.-Israeli coordination.
- Military posturing: Israel mobilizes reservists and readies defenses.
- West Bank lockdown: All checkpoints sealed amid heightened tension.
- Internet restricted: Iran limits net access following military escalations.
- Global repercussions: U.S. warships repositioned in Mediterranean; Security Council convenes.
A New Wave of Israeli Strikes Reported Near Iran’s Fordow Nuke Facility
Deep Look
Targeted Explosions at Fordow
Late Friday, Iran’s Fars News Agency reported that two significant explosions were heard near the Fordow nuclear facility, located south of Tehran and approximately 32 km northeast of Qom. Fordow sits 100 meters underground, blending strategic concealment with high stakes in recent nuclear developments. Eyewitnesses in Tehran also reported hearing loud blasts in multiple districts, including the capital’s east, west, central, and northern areas, corroborating the agency’s claims.
Context: Natanz Attack Earlier
Earlier the same day, Israel launched a strike on Iran’s Natanz nuclear site in Isfahan province—an installation that recently alarmed global powers due to uranium enriched to 83.7% purity. The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that while Natanz’s external radiation levels remain stable, the internal contamination is manageable if proper precautions are taken.
Netanyahu: U.S. Informed
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed that the U.S. was alerted prior to the operation. “They knew about the attack. What will they do now?” he asked in a video message, directed at President Trump. Netanyahu insisted Washington was fully aware of the action—and implied diplomatic and possibly political ramifications.
Iran Denounces U.S. Involvement
Iran formally summoned Switzerland’s ambassador—serving as the U.S. diplomatic proxy in Iran—to protest over the strikes. Iran’s IRNA news agency quoted Isa Kameli, deputy to the foreign minister, stating the attack was “a crime” likely carried out with at least U.S. approval. Since 1979, Switzerland has represented American interests in Tehran due to the absence of formal diplomatic ties.
Mobilizations & Retaliations
Israel’s military has activated large-scale reservist deployments across “all combat arenas” to prepare for possible Iranian retaliation. These defensive and offensive postures anticipate retaliation by Iran or affiliated groups near Israel’s borders.
In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described Israel’s actions as state-sponsored terrorism. In a letter to the U.N. Security Council, Araghchi warned that Israel would “deeply regret this reckless aggression” and emphasized Iran’s sovereign right to self-defense under the U.N. Charter. The Security Council is convening an emergency session at 3 p.m. in New York.
Civilian & Regional Impacts
Israel simultaneously tightened control over the West Bank, closing all checkpoints and severely restricting Palestinian movement—leaving nearly 3 million people stranded and increasing unemployment in West Bank communities.
In Tel Aviv, civilian life came to a standstill. Public spaces and beaches were empty, shops barely open, and the annual Pride Parade was cancelled. Panic buying of essentials like bottled water intensified the city’s tense atmosphere.
Iran Imposes Internet Restrictions
Following the strikes, Iranian authorities imposed extensive internet restrictions across the country. NetBlocks.org reported a sharp drop in connectivity, confirming user experiences of poor access—measures likely aimed at suppressing immediate fallout and emergency communications.
U.S. Naval Repositioning
The U.S. Navy has dispatched the destroyer USS Thomas Hudner toward the Eastern Mediterranean and repositioned another destroyer in anticipation of potential escalation. Both vessels are capable of intercepting ballistic missiles—a capability demonstrated last October when U.S. ships defended Israel against Iranian missile barrages.
Regional Alignments
Iran-aligned Houthi forces in Yemen condemned the Israeli operation, expressing solidarity with “Islamic Republic of Iran” and denouncing Israel as “an aggressive entity threatening regional stability.” They reiterated Iran’s right to develop a nuclear program and defend itself.
Growing Flashpoint
Global powers are bracing for further conflict. U.N. diplomats and the Security Council are underway to assess the crisis. White House National Security Council meetings suggest Washington is monitoring an emerging flashpoint that could expand hostilities across Tehran, Jerusalem, and Washington.
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