Israel and US could strike Fordow tonight: Here's what to know

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has directed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to intensify military strikes on Iranian regime targets in Tehran, aiming to destabilize the government and enhance deterrence against missile attacks on Israel’s home front. The directive follows a situation assessment meeting on Friday morning with senior IDF officials, including Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, the Head of the Operations Directorate, and the Head of Military Intelligence.

Katz emphasized targeting “symbols of power” such as the Basij paramilitary force and the Revolutionary Guards, alongside mechanisms of population oppression, to prompt widespread civilian evacuation from Tehran. “We must bring about the destabilization of the regime and increase deterrence against missile attacks on Israel’s home front, while continuing to target facilities and scientists to thwart Iran’s nuclear program until all objectives are fully achieved,” Katz stated. The operation, part of Israel’s ongoing campaign dubbed Operation Rising Lion, began on June 13, 2025, targeting Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure.

Unverified Reports of Imminent U.S.-Israeli Strike on Fordow

According to unverified reports from Iran International, citing two Israeli security sources, a joint U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran’s Fordow Nuclear Facility, a heavily fortified uranium enrichment site near Qom, is considered the “most likely scenario” and could occur as early as tonight (Friday night). Fordow, buried 80–90 meters underground, is a critical component of Iran’s nuclear program, and its destruction is seen as a priority for Israel to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that previous Israeli strikes starting June 13 caused no significant damage to Fordow’s underground enrichment plant, underscoring the need for specialized weaponry.

U.S. Military Preparations Underway

U.S. military movements suggest preparations for potential long-range operations. Three KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling tankers, using HIFI-series callsigns, departed from Travis Air Force Base, California, toward the Pacific, while four additional Pegasus tankers with CHAOS callsigns launched from Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma. These tankers are essential for extending the range of U.S. B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, which are uniquely capable of carrying the GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), a 30,000-pound bunker-buster bomb designed to penetrate deeply buried targets like Fordow.

Additionally, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, home to the B-2 fleet, reopened ahead of schedule. A C-17 Globemaster (RCH-2105) and another C-17 (GRIT68), carrying support personnel and equipment, are en route to the base, indicating imminent or ongoing B-2 deployment preparations. Satellite imagery from April 2025 confirmed at least six B-2s stationed at Diego Garcia, a U.S. base in the Indian Ocean 3,200 miles from Fordow, which could serve as a staging point.

Strategic and Political Context

The reported joint operation, if confirmed, marks a significant escalation in the U.S.-Israel response to Iran’s nuclear ambitions and recent missile attacks on Israel. Israeli officials, including Ambassador Yechiel Leiter, have stressed that neutralizing Fordow is critical, warning that Operation Rising Lion would be deemed a failure if the facility remains operational. The U.S., under President Donald Trump, has expressed willingness to take a hardline stance, with Trump recently threatening “bombing the likes of which they have never seen” if Iran does not negotiate a new nuclear deal by May 2025.

However, a strike on Fordow carries significant risks, including potential radioactive contamination and retaliation by Iranian proxies like Kataib Hezbollah against U.S. bases in the region. The U.S. has historically been reluctant to provide Israel with GBU-57 bombs or direct offensive support due to these concerns, though recent military movements suggest a possible shift in policy.

Challenges and Uncertainties

Destroying Fordow’s fortified structure requires multiple GBU-57 strikes, and even then, complete destruction is not guaranteed. Israel lacks the capability to deliver such weapons independently, relying on U.S. support. Iran’s degraded air defenses, weakened by prior Israeli strikes, may still pose a threat through mobile systems. Diplomatically, a strike could undermine Trump’s push for a new nuclear deal, as Iran has stated it will not negotiate under attack.

The Iran International report remains unverified, with no official confirmation from U.S. or Israeli authorities. The reliance on anonymous sources warrants caution, and the military movements could indicate contingency planning rather than an imminent strike.

Note: Information regarding the joint U.S.-Israeli strike on Fordow is based on unverified reports from Iran International and should be treated with caution until officially confirmed.