High-resolution satellite imagery published this week offers the first clear view of the impact zones at Iran’s Fordow and Natanz nuclear facilities after U.S. precision strikes on June 22. The before-and-after photos—released by commercial provider Maxar Technologies—show craters gouged into hardened underground halls, collapsed roofs, and disrupted infrastructure.
@Maxar “Today’s imagery shows the extent of damage at Iran’s Natanz site—precision strikes left multiple collapse zones.” via X
The Fordow facility, carved into a mountain near Qom, bears at least three large surface craters where bunker entrances once stood, according to analysis by the International Atomic Energy Agency. In contrast, the Natanz enrichment halls show partial roof collapse, with debris visible in satellite views captured by Earth.Nullschool.net wind overlays.
@Reuters “Satellite imagery confirms U.S. strikes penetrated deeply—Fordow’s entrances and Natanz’s centrifuge rooms hit.” via X
Experts stress the precision nature of the operation. According to the Pentagon’s official statement, GPS-guided bunker busters created “controlled collapse” without widespread collateral damage. Satellite images from the Landsat program also indicate minimal disturbance to surrounding civilian structures.
@NASAearth “Comparing Landsat’s pre- and post-strike images highlights the surgical nature of the hits.” via X
Analysis by the International Institute for Strategic Studies suggests the attacks set Iran’s breakout capability back by 4–6 years. Dr. Emily Chen of Georgetown University told CNBC that “the damage to centrifuge assembly halls and uranium stockpiles is evident. These images will inform global non-proliferation assessments.”
@IISS_org “Imagery confirms collapse of key enrichment infrastructure—will delay Iran’s program significantly.” via X
Aside from the two main sites, a third target near Esfahan shows blast patterns consistent with Tomahawk missile strikes, as noted by open-source intelligence group Bellingcat. Their detailed report overlays imagery timestamps with missile flight logs, pinpointing impact coordinates within five meters.
@bellingcat “Combining satellite imagery and publicly available flight data reveals exact strike locations at Esfahan.” via X
In response, Iran’s Foreign Ministry released its own drone footage, claiming “minimal damage” and accusing the U.S. of “propaganda.” However, satellite data contradicts this narrative, showing collapsed roofs and ruined ventilation shafts. Independent verification by Chatham House analysts confirms the extent of destruction.
@ChathamHouse “Satellite evidence challenges Tehran’s downplaying of damage—key structures at Fordow and Natanz are compromised.” via X
Geopolitical fallout has been swift. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres called for “immediate de-escalation,” referencing the imagery in a press release. Meanwhile, European Union leaders urged Iran to return to talks under the EU non-proliferation initiative, citing the satellite photos as evidence that military options carry high risks.
@jensstoltenberg “We urge all parties to heed the warning these images convey—diplomacy remains vital.” via X
For analysts, the satellite images mark a watershed moment in transparency. Swedish satellite operator SSC has offered its own imagery, and the Japanese JAXA Earth Observation Center plans additional passes to monitor repairs or further damage.
As the data continues to pour in, intelligence agencies worldwide will integrate these visuals into their assessments, shaping policy decisions on sanctions, negotiations, and potential countermeasures. One thing is clear: in the age of commercial satellites, no secret facility remains hidden for long.
