Israel Assesses US Cannot Fully Destroy Iran’s Underground Natanz Nuclear Site

Israeli defense assessments indicate that while the United States may not be able to completely destroy Iran’s underground nuclear facility known as "Mount Machoosh" near Natanz in an airstrike, it can significantly damage critical infrastructure such as electricity, ventilation, and cooling systems to prevent the site from operating as an active nuclear enrichment plant. New details revealed by Israeli military radio describe the facility as housing not only centrifuges but all components necessary for uranium enrichment, although it is reportedly not yet operational.

The underground complex, built inside a granite mountain since 2020, includes at least two entrances leading over 100 meters deep, with underground halls large enough to eventually host thousands of centrifuges and other nuclear program activities. Iran has reportedly reinforced the site’s defenses in 2025 with perimeter fences, concrete layers, and earth barriers around tunnel entrances, some of which have been blocked.

Israeli security officials warn that introducing enriched uranium into the facility would be a "blazing red light," signaling potential capability to enrich uranium to weapons-grade levels of 90 percent. Despite the site's ongoing construction, if completed and activated, it could become a major component in Iran’s nuclear advancement. However, vulnerabilities remain in the facility’s support systems, which could be targeted to neutralize its operation.

The analysis is partly based on research by nuclear expert David Albright, highlighting the strategic importance and challenges posed by the underground site. Israeli officials believe that while full destruction is unlikely, disabling the site’s essential infrastructure could prevent it from becoming fully operational as an enrichment plant.