Early US intel assessment finds strikes set back Iran’s nuclear program only by months
The recent U.S. military strikes ordered by President Donald Trump on Iran’s nuclear facilities have raised questions about the effectiveness of the operation. Initial intelligence assessments suggest that while the strikes did cause significant damage to structures above ground, they did not completely destroy Iran’s nuclear program.
According to reports from the Defense Intelligence Agency and U.S. Central Command, the enriched uranium was left intact, and the centrifuges crucial for the production of nuclear weapons remained largely undamaged. This contradicts President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s claims that Iran’s nuclear program was “obliterated” by the airstrikes.
President Trump insisted that the bombing campaign had completely demolished Iran’s nuclear capabilities, while Secretary Hegseth maintained that the bombs had hit their targets perfectly and caused devastating damage. However, the early intelligence assessments paint a different picture, indicating that the impact may have been less severe than initially claimed.
CNN was the first to report on these assessments, which are subject to change as more information becomes available. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the findings as a leak from a “low-level loser” and defended the airstrikes as a successful mission to eliminate Iran’s nuclear program.
As this story continues to develop, it is important to stay informed and watch for updates on the situation. The discrepancies between official statements and intelligence assessments highlight the complexity of military operations and the challenges of accurately assessing their outcomes. ABC News reporters Mary Bruce and Selina Wang contributed to this report, providing valuable insights into the evolving situation.
For the latest updates on this story and other news developments, be sure to check back for more information. Stay informed and stay engaged as new details emerge.
