Iran-Israel war: Iran’s Fordo nuclear site hit again in Israeli strike; Israel says attack aimed to block access routes to enrichment facility

Iran’s underground nuclear enrichment site at Fordo was struck again on Monday, Iranian state television reported, a day after the United States bombed the facility using heavy bunker-buster bombs in a major escalation of the ongoing conflict.

Israel confirms Monday strike, says aim was to block access
The Israeli military confirmed on Monday that it launched air raids to “obstruct access routes” to the Fordo facility, stating that the strike was intended to cut off movement around the enrichment site.


“Israeli forces struck in order to obstruct access routes to the Fordo enrichment site,” the military said. US President Donald Trump had earlier said the Fordo site had been “totally obliterated” in Sunday’s US strike.

IAEA: ‘Very significant damage’ likely at Fordo
In Vienna, Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said Sunday’s attack likely caused heavy destruction at the sensitive facility. “Given the explosive payload utilized and the extreme vibration-sensitive nature of centrifuges, very significant damage is expected to have occurred,” Grossi noted. He added that the IAEA has yet to fully assess the underground impact.

US describes strike as one-off; Iran warns of retaliation
The US described its Sunday strike on Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan as a one-time operation to damage Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. However, President Trump warned that more strikes could follow if Iran retaliates. Iran condemned the attack as a violation of its sovereignty and likened it to an invasion.

Iran fires back with Operation ‘True Promise 3’
On Monday, Iran responded by launching missiles and drones toward Israel, targeting cities such as Haifa and Tel Aviv. Explosions were also heard in Jerusalem. Iranian state television said the barrage was part of a new wave under “Operation True Promise 3.” Israel activated its defence systems and advised residents in northern and central areas to take shelter.

Iranian general warns US of consequences
Iranian General Abdolrahim Mousavi, chief of the joint staff, warned that the US airstrikes had given Iranian forces a “free hand” to act against American interests and forces in the region. Tens of thousands of US troops are stationed across the Middle East, many within range of Iran’s short-range missiles.

Global leaders urge de-escalation
Amid rising tensions, global calls for restraint have grown. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged a return to diplomacy and warned that Iran’s potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route, would be “extremely dangerous.” The EU said Iran must be ready to return to direct talks with the US to help resolve the crisis.

Iran’s nuclear program in focus after 2015 deal collapse
The conflict comes against the backdrop of the collapse of the 2015 nuclear agreement. After the US withdrew from the deal during Trump’s first term, Iran began enriching uranium up to 60% purity and restricted access to international inspectors. On Monday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held talks in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a key Iranian ally.