Former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen revealed Tuesday that Israeli intelligence operatives had repeatedly reached Iran’s heavily protected Fordow nuclear facility in the past, saying the missions were aimed at developing a detailed understanding of the site.

Speaking at the Galilee Conference, Cohen discussed Iran’s nuclear program and the American strike on Fordow, while offering a rare glimpse into the extent of Israel’s familiarity with the underground nuclear facility.

“We toured the Fordow nuclear site many times in order to understand the site,” Cohen said.

Cohen did not elaborate on when the alleged visits took place, how Mossad personnel reached the facility, or what operations were conducted there.

Addressing the U.S. attack on Fordow, the former Mossad director expressed strong satisfaction with the operation, describing the American bombing of the facility as the fulfillment of a goal he had hoped to see achieved for years.

“The bombing of the site by the Americans is the realization of all my dreams,” Cohen said.

At the same time, Cohen addressed Iran’s enrichment of uranium to 60%, stressing that the enrichment level does not mean Tehran already possesses a nuclear weapon.

“Sixty percent enriched uranium is still far from a bomb,” Cohen said.

Cohen made the remarks during the Galilee Conference, held under the banner “Bringing Security Back to the North.” The gathering brought together decision-makers, municipal leaders, security officials and other public figures for discussions on regional resilience, employment, the future of northern communities and security challenges facing the region.

Fordow, an Iranian uranium enrichment facility buried deep beneath a mountainous area, was targeted by U.S. forces during the conflict with Iran.

Following the strike, Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization claimed that the facility had sustained only “limited” damage.

Behrouz Kamalvandi, deputy chief and spokesman for Iran’s atomic agency, said at the time that some equipment and materials had been removed from Fordow before the attack, arguing that the facility did not suffer extensive damage and that there were no concerns about contamination.

Kamalvandi also addressed damage to Iran’s Natanz enrichment complex, claiming that most of the damage there occurred in above-ground sections. He said that because much of the facility is underground, only a limited amount of leakage occurred inside the complex and did not spread outside.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)