Jerusalem: Israel is reportedly planning to independently destroy Iran's heavily fortified Fordow nuclear facility, a senior military official announced on Wednesday. The facility, located 30 kilometers from Qom city in north-central Iran, has been identified as a significant target by Israel.

According to Anadolu Agency, the unnamed official conveyed to The Wall Street Journal that Israel has both a plan and capability to execute a strike on Fordow without external assistance. However, details about the specific plan to demolish the underground facility were not disclosed.

Ehud Eilam, a former researcher at the Israeli Defense Ministry, suggested that Israel might use a combination of small penetrator bombs designed to penetrate hardened targets. He drew parallels to past Israeli operations, such as the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an underground bunker in Beirut, as a potential strategy for attacking Fordow. Eilam also mentioned the possibility of alternative tactics including commando raids, cyberattacks, and targeted assassinations.

Fordow is considered one of Iran's most sensitive nuclear sites due to its location deep within the mountains, making it resistant to conventional airstrikes. Israel has accused Iran of nearing the capability to produce a nuclear bomb, a claim Iran denies, stating its nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful purposes.

Tensions in the region have intensified following recent Israeli airstrikes on various sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, which led to retaliatory strikes by Tehran. The Israeli government reported that at least 24 people have been killed and hundreds injured from Iranian missile attacks. Conversely, Iranian media reported that 585 people have died and over 1,300 have been wounded due to the Israeli assault.