Sen. Markwayne Mullin says U.S. intelligence shows Iran failed to move nuclear material before American strikes on the Fordo facility, countering claims from Israeli sources. The Biden administration’s commitment to keeping Iran from getting a nuclear weapon remains firm, with Trump poised to escalate if needed.
Key Facts:
- Sen. Markwayne Mullin stated that Iran did not remove nuclear material from Fordo before U.S. strikes.
- Fordo, a facility located 300 feet underground southwest of Tehran, was hit Saturday along with Natanz and Isfahan.
- The New York Times reported that Israeli sources claim Iran moved uranium and equipment beforehand.
- President Trump declared the strikes “completely obliterated” Iran’s major enrichment sites.
- Mullin warned the U.S. will “finish the job” if anything remains and emphasized no ground troops are planned.
The Rest of The Story:
American bombers struck Iran’s Fordo nuclear site Saturday, aiming to halt its ability to develop nuclear weapons.
Fordo, built deep under a mountain, was believed by Iran to be safe from attack.
According to Sen. Mullin, the site actually held more enriched uranium before the strike, not less.
Mullin challenged claims made by unnamed Israeli officials, cited in The New York Times, that Iran relocated key materials before the bombing.
“We have a really good handle on what we’ve destroyed,” Mullin said, adding that the U.S. believes Fordo’s capacity was “severely damaged, if not completely destroyed.”
President Trump emphasized that Iran’s top enrichment facilities were “completely obliterated.”
Mullin echoed this and noted that while ground troops aren’t on the table, the U.S. and allies—particularly Israel—stand ready to act again if any nuclear threat remains.
Fordow wasn’t just another nuclear site. It was Iran’s most protected one.
Built in secret starting in 2006, it took six years to complete and became active in 2012. Buried under 90 meters of rock near Qom, it was made to survive airstrikes and even bunker-busting bombs.
The… pic.twitter.com/o0SyVwrQbt
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) June 22, 2025
Commentary:
If U.S. intelligence is accurate, this operation marks a serious blow to Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Striking Fordo, once thought impenetrable, sends a clear message that America has the tools and will to eliminate threats—even those buried under a mountain.
The operation also serves as a public reaffirmation of Trump’s long-standing vow to deny Iran nuclear capabilities.
For over a decade, Trump has made it clear that under no circumstances will Iran become a nuclear power.
Saturday’s strike shows he’s following through.
Still, the conflicting reports between U.S. and Israeli sources raise questions.
If Iran really moved its materials beforehand, it would suggest a failure in U.S. intelligence gathering—one that could have major implications for national security and foreign policy.
It’s also concerning that the U.S. may have underestimated the scale or location of Iran’s nuclear assets.
Fordo might not have been the only hiding place.
This raises the stakes for future strikes, surveillance, and partnerships with allies like Israel.
The fact that Trump acted without congressional approval could become a political flashpoint.
But constitutionally, as commander-in-chief, he has authority to respond to imminent threats—especially involving weapons of mass destruction.
What’s reassuring to many is that no ground war is planned.
The administration is wisely favoring air power and strategic partnerships over prolonged military entanglements.
That keeps American lives out of direct danger while still projecting power.
Mullin’s comments about possibly continuing strikes with Israel suggest this isn’t over.
If even a fraction of Iran’s stockpile survived, future military action is not just likely—it’s guaranteed.
And Trump appears ready to go the distance.
The bottom line is this: if the initial strike was effective, it’s a monumental win.
But if intelligence was flawed, America may have just fired the opening shot in a longer conflict.
The Bottom Line:
The Fordo strike could be a decisive move in stopping Iran’s nuclear ambitions—if U.S. intelligence proves correct.
Trump’s administration remains committed to preventing a nuclear-armed Iran and will act again if needed.
Though questions remain, America’s show of force made it clear: underground bunkers offer no safe haven.
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