Isfahan: Why US air strikes may not be enough to reach Iran's hidden uranium

An India Today open source intelligence investigation examines why US air strikes may not be enough to reach Iran's hidden uranium at the Isfahan Nuclear Facility. Unlike Fordow and Natanz, which were struck with bunker buster bombs during Operation Midnight Hammer in June 2025, Isfahan presents a unique challenge. The facility sits beneath far higher ridge lines, giving it much deeper natural shielding. During the 12-day war, the US used Tomahawk cruise missiles on Isfahan's tunnel entrances rather than attempting direct penetration. Open source analysis suggests enriched uranium may have been moved to Isfahan before the bombings. The site is heavily defended, surrounded by military infrastructure, air bases, drone hubs and missile sites. The GBU-57 bunker buster bombs can strike deep, but may not guarantee access to the buried core. If uranium is inside these tunnels and bombs cannot reach it, a ground operation to physically enter and seize the material may become necessary, making it one of the riskiest options on the table.