Yossi Cohen Reveals Israeli Spies' Access to Iran's Fordow Nuclear Site
Yossi Cohen, the former head of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency, revealed that Israeli operatives had gained extensive access to Iran's Fordow nuclear facility, stating they had "toured" the heavily fortified site multiple times. This disclosure sheds light on the depth of Israel's intelligence operations concerning Iran's nuclear program. Cohen made these comments during the Galilee Conference in northern Israel, although he did not specify the timeline of these operations or whether Mossad agents physically entered the facility. Reports indicate that it remains unclear if he was referring to actual infiltration or other forms of intelligence gathering.
Cohen expressed the importance of the U.S. airstrike on Fordow, describing it as the realization of his aspirations. The Fordow site, located approximately 300 feet underground beneath a mountain near Qom, posed a significant military challenge due to its robust construction. The U.S. military targeted Fordow on June 22, 2025, as part of a broader operation against Iran's nuclear infrastructure, employing B-2 Spirit stealth bombers to deliver bunker-buster bombs.
The operation involved a strategic approach, with initial strikes aimed at ventilation shafts to breach the concrete barriers before deploying additional munitions deeper into the complex. Cohen's remarks highlight the capabilities of Mossad in penetrating Iran's nuclear operations, which have included previous high-profile missions such as the 2018 seizure of Iran's nuclear archive.
Cohen also addressed concerns regarding Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium, asserting that while the material is significant, it does not necessarily indicate an imminent threat of weapon production. Experts have noted that uranium enriched to 60% is a critical step toward weapons-grade material, raising alarms for both Israeli and U.S. officials.
The fate of Iran's enriched uranium remains a pressing issue, particularly following the 2025 strikes, with much of it believed to be hidden within damaged facilities. Cohen's insights into the intelligence operations at Fordow underscore the ongoing complexities of monitoring Iran's nuclear ambitions and the potential for future military actions if necessary.
