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Updated 23 June 2025 at 11:53 IST

Satellite Images Reveal Iran’s 'Logistic Shuffle' Before US Strikes: What Was Tehran Hiding?

Satellite images showed that Iran may have moved 400 kilograms of nuclear material from the Fordow site ahead of the US strikes,

Reported by: Aadi Joshi
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Satellite Images of the Fordow site, Iran.
Satellite Images of the Fordow site, Iran. | Image: X

Teheran: Recent satellite images have shown some notable changes at Iran’s underground Fordow nuclear facility, leading to speculation that Tehran might have relocated enriched uranium from the site just before the recent US airstrike. Military analysts reviewed high-resolution satellite data, revealing unusual activity at the Fordow site just days prior to the U.S. launching precision strikes aimed at key Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure. Nestled deep within a mountain near Qom, the Fordow facility is one of Iran’s most heavily fortified enrichment centers. 

Before the strike, satellite images captured a surge in vehicle and container movement in and out of the compound. Experts analysed that post-strike images show visible structural damage to the facility, indicating a direct hit but notably without any secondary explosions, which might have occurred if nuclear material had still been on-site. 

Image Credits: Maxar
Image Credits: Maxar
Image Credits: Maxar

Two Israeli officials have reportedly stated that Iran transferred a substantial quantity of uranium and other sensitive equipment from the Fordow nuclear facility shortly before the U.S. airstrikes. The material included around 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity, just below the 90 percent level required for weapons-grade fuel. This move is believed to have taken place while the Trump administration was still deliberating whether to deploy ground forces to Iran.

If confirmed, this maneuver would indicate a strategic move by Iran to protect its nuclear assets amid escalating tensions with both the U.S. and Israel. The IAEA and Western intelligence agencies are expected to keep a close eye on Iran’s next steps, especially as regional tensions continue to rise.
 

More updates to follow. 

Also Read: Trump Hails US 'Monumental Obliteration' of Iran’s Nuclear Sites, Calls It a 'Bullseye Strike'

Published 23 June 2025 at 11:04 IST