Iran's Fordow centrifuges 'no longer operational', claims IAEA chief

Centrifuges at Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility have been rendered inoperative following recent U.S. airstrikes, according to Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as reported by IRNA.

In an interview with Radio France Internationale, Grossi stated that satellite imagery strongly indicates a direct hit on Fordow’s uranium enrichment hall, causing what he described as “significant and serious physical damage.”

He explained that due to the fragile construction of the centrifuges, even the intense vibrations from nearby explosions would be enough to knock them out of service.

Grossi emphasized that such damage effectively halted enrichment activities at the site.

Additionally, he noted that Tehran has yet to respond to the IAEA’s formal request to resume nuclear inspections, which were disrupted amid the recent escalation.

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Stressing the importance of access, Grossi reminded that Iran’s cooperation is not optional—it is a legal requirement under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), rather than a diplomatic courtesy.

The Fordow facility, located deep underground, has long been a focal point of international scrutiny due to its capacity to enrich uranium to high levels of purity.

The latest setback to its operations comes amid heightened tensions following U.S. and Israeli military actions.