Centrifuges at Fordo ‘No Longer Operational,’ U.N. Nuclear Watchdog Head Says
Centrifuges at Fordo ‘No Longer Operational,’ U.N. Nuclear Watchdog Head Says

Rafael Grossi told French radio that there was “no escaping significant physical damage” after the U.S. dropped bunker-buster bombs on the Iranian facility.
Read the full article on NY Times World
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article's claim about centrifuges at Fordo being "no longer operational" due to a US attack is partially supported but also contradicted by the provided sources. While some sources confirm an attack on Iranian nuclear sites, including Fordo, others suggest continued operation or increased production at Fordo. The article exhibits moderate bias by presenting the US attack as a definitive cause without fully acknowledging conflicting information.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim:** Centrifuges at Fordo ‘No Longer Operational,’ U.N. Nuclear Watchdog Head Says.
- Verification Source #3: States that Iran increased the number of operating cascades of IR-2m centrifuges at Fordo in February 2025. This *contradicts* the claim that centrifuges are "no longer operational" as of June 2025.
- Verification Source #4: Confirms an attack on Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz sites. This *partially supports* the claim that there was an event that could cause the centrifuges to be non-operational.
- Claim:** Rafael Grossi told French radio that there was “no escaping significant physical damage” after the U.S. dropped bunker-buster bombs on the Iranian facility.
- Verification Source #4: Supports that there was an attack on Iranian nuclear sites. This *partially supports* the claim of physical damage.
- Fail to cover:* The provided sources do not directly quote Rafael Grossi making this statement. This claim is *unverified*.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Verification Source #3: Contradicts the claim that centrifuges are "no longer operational" by stating that Iran increased the number of operating cascades of IR-2m centrifuges at Fordo in February 2025.
- Verification Source #4: Supports the claim that there was an attack on Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz sites.
- Verification Source #1: Mentions that inspectors found two cascades of IR-6 centrifuges at Fordo were configured in a way “substantially…” in January 2023. This does not directly support or contradict the claim, but shows that Fordo was an active site.
- Verification Source #2: Mentions Fordo and the number of centrifuges that were operating there. This does not directly support or contradict the claim, but shows that Fordo was an active site.
- Verification Source #5: Does not cover the claim.