WASHINGTON – A recent U.S. intelligence report indicates that American airstrikes have only delayed Iran’s nuclear program by a few months, contradicting previous statements by President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The report, shared by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) on Monday, suggests that while significant damage was inflicted on Iran’s nuclear sites, they were not completely destroyed.
Immediate Impact
The DIA report challenges the narrative promoted by Trump and Netanyahu, who claimed the strikes had obliterated Iran’s nuclear capabilities. According to sources familiar with the assessment, the strikes targeted the Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities but failed to fully dismantle them. These sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that some of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure remains intact.
The White House dismissed the DIA’s findings as “flat-out wrong,” with Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard asserting in a post on X that the facilities were indeed destroyed.
Key Details Emerge
The assessment further reveals that Iran managed to relocate some of its highly enriched uranium before the strikes, preserving critical components necessary for weapon development. Despite the damage, Iran’s centrifuges, essential for uranium enrichment, remain largely operational.
By the Numbers
At least 42 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium, enough to produce one atomic bomb if further enriched, remains in Iran’s possession, according to the U.N. nuclear watchdog.
Industry Response
President Trump, attending a NATO summit in the Netherlands, dismissed the intelligence report as “inconclusive” and criticized media outlets for their coverage. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced an investigation into the intelligence leak, labeling the assessment as “preliminary” and of “low confidence.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed these sentiments, accusing leakers of being “professional stabbers.”
Background Context
The U.S. has been attempting to negotiate with Iran to dismantle its nuclear program entirely. However, the recent strikes and Iran’s potential retention of nuclear capabilities have raised concerns about Tehran’s intentions. Experts fear that these developments might push Iran closer to developing a nuclear weapon.
“It is plausible that Iran moved the material enriched to 60% out of Fordo and loaded it on a truck,” said Eric Brewer, a former U.S. intelligence analyst.
Expert Analysis
Experts suggest that while Iran’s nuclear program has been set back, it still possesses the means to resume enrichment activities. Kelsey Davenport from the Arms Control Association noted that Iran could potentially establish a covert enrichment facility and continue its nuclear pursuits.
Stephen Wood from Maxar Technologies confirmed satellite imagery showed activity at the Fordo site prior to the strikes, indicating possible preparations by Iran to protect its assets.
What Comes Next
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has communicated to the U.N. nuclear watchdog about measures to safeguard its nuclear materials. Meanwhile, the international community remains on alert, monitoring Iran’s next moves.
As the situation develops, the U.S. and its allies continue to evaluate the impact of the strikes and consider future diplomatic and military strategies to address the ongoing nuclear threat.
The story continues to unfold, with implications for regional stability and international security remaining at the forefront of global attention.
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