Qatari television channel Al Jazeera reported unusual activity at Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility beginning on June 19, 2025, days before the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. According to the channel, there was intense movement of dozens of trucks and vehicles at the complex for two days, presumably transporting critical equipment. The information is supported by aerial photographs provided by the American satellite imaging company Maxar. The footage shows a column of trucks waiting to be loaded at the entrance to the facility, indicating a large-scale operation to move materials.

Fordow, located beneath a rocky outcrop in Qom province, is considered Iran’s most fortified nuclear facility, used to enrich uranium. Iranian officials say the early removal of equipment helped minimize damage from U.S. strikes on the night of June 22. American B-2 Spirit bombers dropped bunker busters, but Tehran says key components, including centrifuges, remained intact. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has yet to issue an official assessment but has confirmed that inspections are planned.

The activity at Fordow was part of Iran’s preparations for possible attacks in the context of an escalation of the conflict that began in June 2025 with Israeli strikes on Iranian infrastructure. The United States, supporting Israel, joined the operation, striking nuclear centers. Iran responded with missile attacks on Israeli cities and has threatened to attack American bases in the region. According to Middle Eastern media, Tehran has moved not only equipment but also stockpiles of enriched uranium to secret storage facilities, complicating Western efforts to neutralize the nuclear program.

Maxar satellite images published by Al Jazeera show that the trucks were moving continuously for 48 hours, indicating a coordinated operation under the control of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Analysts suggest that Iran may have received advance intelligence of the strikes, allowing it to minimize casualties. This confirms the resilience of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, which was designed with external threats in mind.