A U.S. military operation against Iran's Fordow nuclear complex using B-2 Spirit strategic bombers has failed to achieve its intended goals, multiple sources, including U.S. officials, say. According to Western media reports, the attack was not powerful enough to destroy the heavily fortified underground bunker, which is considered a key element of Tehran's nuclear program. The failure has heightened tensions in the region as the conflict between Iran, Israel and the U.S. continues to escalate.

The strike on Fordow, located in the mountainous Qom province, was part of an escalation that began in June 2025, when Israel launched a series of attacks on Iranian military and nuclear facilities. The United States joined the operation, striking infrastructure that Washington and Tel Aviv accuse of developing nuclear weapons. Iran categorically denies the accusations, insisting that its program is peaceful. According to Iranian authorities, the attack on Fordow did not cause significant damage, and nuclear research continues as usual. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has not yet provided an official assessment of the damage, but confirmed that monitoring of sites in Iran continues.

The failure of the US operation has provoked a sharp reaction in Tehran. A spokesman for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said Iran was preparing retaliatory measures that could include strikes on US and Israeli military targets in the region. According to Middle Eastern media, Tehran has stepped up preparations for possible attacks, using ballistic missiles and drones capable of hitting targets hundreds of kilometers away. In recent days, Iran has conducted exercises in the Persian Gulf, demonstrating its ability to threaten key targets, including US bases in Bahrain and Qatar.