US strikes Iran: Does Iran have nuclear sites in secret locations? Will Strait of Hormuz be closed? Answering all FAQs

President Donald Trump on Saturday announced that the US conducted strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities - Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan - amid the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. Officials on Sunday stated that the strikes were not a preamble to regime change, naming the operation 'Midnight Hammer'. Trump said US destroyed Iran's Fordow nuclear site(AFP)
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Iran against following through with past threats of retaliation against the United States and said US forces would defend themselves. "This mission was not and has not been about regime change," Hegseth told reporters at the Pentagon.
Now, several questions have emerged since the US's strikes on Iran. Below are answers to frequently asked questions about potential secret nuclear sites in Iran and the possibility of Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz.
Read More: Every US citizen a 'target': Iran after US strikes on Isfahan, Natanz and Fordow nuclear sites Does Iran Have Nuclear Sites in Secret Locations?
The US targeted Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, known as Iran's primary nuclear enrichment and research facilities. Fordow, buried deep in a mountain, is the most fortified, while Natanz hosts large-scale uranium enrichment, and Isfahan contains research and fuel production. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) monitors these sites and reported no off-site radiation post-strikes, suggesting no undetected radioactive material release.
Secret sites possibility: A 2018 Israeli intelligence operation revealed documents suggesting undeclared sites, though no concrete evidence of operational secret facilities has emerged since.
The IAEA's Rafael Grossi noted that assessing underground damage is challenging, and Iran's claim of evacuating materials from Fordow hints at preparedness.
Read More: Iran 'reserves all options' to defend itself after US strikes, says foreign minister Will Iran Close the Strait of Hormuz?
Iran's parliament voted to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil route handling 20% of global petroleum, in retaliation for US strikes. However, the decision requires approval from Iran's Supreme National Security Council and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, and no closure has been enacted as of now. Shipping companies like Hapag-Lloyd report the strait remains open, with high alert levels.
Closing the Strait would spike oil prices, potentially causing a global recession. Iran's economy, reliant on oil exports through the strait, would also suffer. Vice President JD Vance called closure 'suicidal' for Iran, urging diplomacy. Additional FAQs What Was the US Strike's Scope?
Codenamed 'Operation Midnight Hammer,' the US used multiple B-2 bombers to drop bunker busters on Fordow and Natanz, and 30 Tomahawk missiles from submarines on Natanz and Isfahan. Was Iran's Nuclear Program Destroyed?
President Trump claimed the sites were 'totally obliterated,' but the IAEA and Iranian officials dispute this, noting no radioactive contamination and ongoing nuclear knowledge.

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First Post

39 minutes ago

• First Post

Iran turns to Russia after US bombing: Will Putin be of any help?

After the US bombed Iran's nuclear sites, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rushed to Moscow for urgent talks. But while Russia condemned the strikes, President Vladimir Putin signalled neutrality due to close ties with Israel. Despite a strategic partnership, Iran may find its powerful ally unwilling to escalate, leaving Tehran more isolated than ever read more Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with editors of the federal lineup of history textbooks for grades 5 to 11 of secondary school as well as vocational schools, at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, June 22, 2025. File Image/Sputlink via Reuters Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has travelled to Moscow for a high-level diplomatic consultation with President Vladimir Putin and other senior Russian officials. The visit, which follows US military strikes on Iran's key nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan under Operation Midnight Hammer, signals a critical moment in Iran-Russia ties, testing the limits of their strategic cooperation. While addressing a conference in Istanbul prior to his departure, Araghchi highlighted the importance of Iran's long-standing relationship with Russia, stating that both sides 'always consult with each other and coordinate our positions.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD His arrival in the Russian capital was announced just hours after the military operation by the United States, which used 14,000-kg bunker-buster bombs to target what Washington claims were active components of Iran's nuclear programme. The Iranian foreign minister, speaking on social media, sharply criticised the US operation. 'The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the (nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty) by attacking Iran's peaceful nuclear installations… Each and every member of the UN must be alarmed over this extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behaviour.' He added, 'In accordance with the UN Charter and its provisions allowing a legitimate response in self-defence, Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people.' How Moscow is walking a diplomatic tightrope Though Tehran and Moscow have deepened their cooperation in recent years — particularly following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 — Putin has taken a measured stance on the recent escalation. Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin explained that Russia's neutrality is influenced by domestic and regional considerations, particularly the significant number of Russian-speaking citizens in Israel. 'Almost two million people from the former Soviet Union and the Russian Federation reside in Israel. It is almost a Russian-speaking country today. And, undoubtedly, we always take this into account in Russia's contemporary history.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This demographic factor, coupled with Moscow's multi-directional diplomacy in West Asia, has shaped a cautious Russian posture. The Kremlin maintains working relationships with Israel, Arab states and Islamic countries alike. With 15 per cent of its own population identifying as Muslim and holding observer status in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Moscow continues to present itself as a neutral but influential actor in regional affairs. Although Russia condemned the US strikes on Iranian territory, calling them a violation of international law, its response has been restrained. The Russian foreign ministry stated: 'An irresponsible decision to subject the territory of a sovereign state to missile and bomb strikes, no matter what arguments it is presented with… It is particularly alarming that the strikes were carried out by a country that is a permanent member of the UN Security Council.' How the Iran-Russia relationship is a partnership with limits The strategic partnership between Iran and Russia has flourished under pressure from Western sanctions, with both countries collaborating on areas such as drone manufacturing, satellite technology, and nuclear energy. After Russia began its Ukraine invasion, Iran provided Moscow with Shahed drones, which were later used in attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. Reports suggest that Moscow may have compensated Tehran with over $100 million worth of gold for these transactions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite these developments, Putin has made clear that Iran has not sought Russian military assistance in this crisis, and their recently signed comprehensive partnership treaty does not contain any provisions related to defence cooperation. As Putin explained, the agreement focuses on non-military collaboration. Russia's posture also indicates it will not escalate its involvement beyond diplomacy. Iran, on its part, has declared that it will not return to the negotiating table until it has retaliated. Araghchi has added Iran was already at the negotiating table and it was the US and Israel who 'blew up' talks. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi addresses a special session of the Human Rights Council at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, June 20, 2025. 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Time of India

41 minutes ago

• Time of India

Before & after: Satellite images show damage caused to Iran's Fordow, Isfahan, Natanz nuclear sites after US strike; see pics

US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities New satellite imagery has revealed significant damage to Iran's key nuclear facilities following Saturday's US strikes. Iran has warned of consequences while maintaining a measured initial response. Satellite photos from Maxar Technologies show multiple impact sites at the Fordow nuclear facility, including new craters, potentially collapsed tunnel entrances, and holes along a mountain ridge. While a large support building used for ventilation control remained intact, the status of the underground uranium enrichment centrifuges remains unconfirmed. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported no radiation releases from the site. At Natanz, another critical nuclear site, imagery revealed a new 5.5-meter (18-foot) diameter crater directly above part of the underground enrichment facility. However, the images don't conclusively show whether the strikes penetrated the heavily fortified facility, which lies 40 meters underground and is protected by an 8-meter thick concrete and steel shell. Fordow Nuclear facility Fordow, situated approximately 100 kilometers southwest of Tehran, is a heavily fortified uranium enrichment facility built deep within a mountain. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo Its existence remained secret until Western intelligence uncovered it in 2009. Though smaller than Natanz, Fordow's mountain protection and anti-aircraft systems make it an exceptionally challenging military target. The facility houses sophisticated centrifuges for uranium enrichment. Its deep underground location means that only specialised weapons, specifically the US-made GBU-57 "bunker buster" bombs, could potentially penetrate its defences. These 30,000-pound bombs can only be delivered by American B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, making any serious attack on Fordow virtually impossible without direct US military involvement. Natanz Nuclear Facility Natanz, located 220 kilometers southeast of Tehran, serves as Iran's primary uranium enrichment centre. The facility has been a frequent target of Israeli military operations and has experienced significant damage both above and below ground. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Natanz had achieved uranium enrichment levels of 60% purity, approaching weapons-grade material. The facility has suffered multiple setbacks, including damage from Israeli airstrikes and the notorious Stuxnet cyberattack, believed to be a joint US-Israeli operation. In response to these vulnerabilities, Iran began constructing new sections deeper underground near Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La (Pickax Mountain) to better protect its operations. Despite the attacks, the IAEA has confirmed that radioactive contamination has remained contained within the facility. Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center The Isfahan facility, positioned 350 kilometers southeast of Tehran, functions as Iran's principal nuclear research facility. This expansive complex employs thousands of scientists and features three Chinese-supplied research reactors. The site includes essential laboratories and a uranium conversion facility, crucial for the initial stages of nuclear fuel production. While the facility has been targeted by Israeli strikes, particularly the conversion plant, the IAEA has verified that these attacks have not resulted in any radiation leakage or elevated radiation levels in the surrounding areas.

Time of India

41 minutes ago

• Time of India

Oil routes wobble: Two tankers turn back from Hormuz as US strikes on Iran raise fears of wider conflict

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