Israel's Pursuit of Iran's Nuclear Program and the Need for U.S. Intervention

Since the initial attacks, Israel has broadened its targets within Iran daily. Initially, the Natanz uranium-enrichment site was targeted, followed by the police headquarters in Tehran, the Revolutionary Guards’ intelligence directorate, and the state television broadcaster. These locations suffered significant damage or destruction.

A key target that has largely remained untouched is the Fordow uranium fuel enrichment plant, situated near Qom in central Iran. Israel, along with the United States, views Fordow as central to Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Fordow is considered a more significant target than Natanz due to its design to enrich uranium to higher levels, potentially producing enough for several nuclear weapons. Experts suggest that Fordow could produce weapons-grade uranium in a very short timeframe.

However, Fordow is heavily fortified. It is estimated to be located deep underground, protected by thick layers of granite or reinforced concrete. This level of protection likely necessitates the involvement of the U.S. Air Force and its specialized bunker-buster bombs for its destruction.

Some analysts believe Israel may seek U.S. assistance to complete the destruction of the site. The only weapon capable of penetrating such a well-protected site is the U.S. Air Force's GBU-57 MOP bomb, a precision-guided device that can only be deployed by heavy strategic bombers, which Israel does not possess.

Israeli officials acknowledge that Israel alone cannot eliminate Fordow. The U.S. is the only country with the necessary weaponry to carry out such an attack, and the decision to do so rests with the United States.

The existence of Fordow was revealed in 2009, although its development had been monitored by Western intelligence agencies for years. The facility's configuration raised concerns, with then-President Obama stating it was inconsistent with a peaceful program.

Israel, itself a nuclear power, is determined to prevent its regional rivals, particularly Iran, from developing nuclear weapons. Iran maintains that its uranium enrichment efforts are solely for peaceful purposes, a claim supported by some U.S. assessments.

Despite these claims, enrichment has continued. Iran has accumulated a significant amount of uranium enriched to a level close to weapons-grade. While Fordow may be a primary target, Israel has also targeted other Iranian nuclear sites, such as Natanz.