Context:

Maxar Technologies has released satellite images showing significant damage to three of Iran's nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—following U.S. airstrikes ordered by President Donald Trump. These strikes, carried out by B-2 stealth bombers, aimed at crippling Iran's underground uranium enrichment infrastructure, with the Fordow facility showing numerous craters at tunnel entrances and perimeter buildings destroyed. The Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center also sustained notable damage, particularly at tunnel entrances, and at Natanz, craters were filled and covered with dirt post-strike. The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed the impact on key buildings and systems, and U.S. officials have stated Iran's nuclear program has been severely set back. Additionally, satellite images also captured destruction near Tehran's Shahid Rajaee University, believed to be linked to suspected nuclear facilities.

Dive Deeper:

• Satellite images from Maxar Technologies unveiled significant destruction at Iran's Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites after U.S. B-2 bombers executed airstrikes ordered by President Trump. The images provided a clear view of the precision with which the U.S. dismantled elements of Iran's nuclear infrastructure.

• At the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Facility, located deep within a mountain, the satellite imagery showed multiple craters at tunnel entrances and on access roads, with several perimeter buildings destroyed. This facility is a crucial part of Iran's underground uranium enrichment operations.

• The Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center revealed fresh surface damage and direct hits on tunnel entrances, aligning with reports that the operation targeted buried infrastructure previously protected from conventional air assaults.

• Natanz, a site previously targeted by the Stuxnet cyberattack, displayed two craters likely caused by U.S. ordinance, now filled and concealed with dirt, indicating an intention to disrupt Iran's nuclear capabilities.

• IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi confirmed that essential buildings and underground systems at all three sites were impacted. According to American officials, these strikes have significantly hindered Iran's nuclear progress.

• The U.S. mission, termed 'very successful' by President Trump, also included airstrikes in Tehran, with satellite images documenting destruction believed to be related to Iran's nuclear program around Shahid Rajaee University.

• This military action is part of a broader strategy to exert pressure on Iran and disrupt its nuclear ambitions, while simultaneously showcasing the effectiveness of U.S. military capabilities in targeting fortified nuclear sites.