Trump Declares Iran Nuclear Sites 'Completely Destroyed' After US Strikes
Date Published
In a bold statement, President Donald Trump claimed that the recent US military strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites had completely destroyed key facilities, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
US Strikes on Iran Nuclear Sites
The Pentagon’s initial intelligence evaluation reportedly indicated that the underground nuclear facilities in Iran were not fully obliterated, with officials suggesting that Tehran's nuclear program might only be set back by a few months.
Divergent Reports and Official Assessments
According to sources familiar with the Pentagon’s Defense Intelligence Agency report, Iran’s enriched uranium and centrifuges largely remained intact after the bombings. CNN reported that some uranium had been moved prior to the strikes, complicating the damage assessment. Meanwhile, President Trump dismissed these reports, asserting: “The nuclear sites in Iran are completely destroyed!” in a post on his Truth Social platform.
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He further emphasized that Iran’s nuclear program was “demolished,” dismissing intelligence evaluations suggesting otherwise. The White House countered these claims, calling the assessment “flat-out wrong” and highlighting the effectiveness of the bombing campaign. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated: “Everyone knows what happens when you drop fourteen 30,000-pound bombs perfectly on their targets: total obliteration.”
Mixed Perspectives on Damage and Iran’s Nuclear Capabilities
Despite Trump’s assertions, US officials like Steve Witkoff, the special envoy to the Middle East, expressed skepticism about the extent of damage. He said that most centrifuges were likely damaged beyond repair and predicted years before Iran could resurrect its nuclear activities. Witkoff also condemned the leaking of intelligence reports as “treasonous,” calling for accountability.
Information Warfare and Political Tensions
Reporting from Washington highlights an ongoing information war regarding the true impact of the strikes. Al Jazeera's Shihab Rattansi noted that some figures in Washington are keen to leak preliminary assessments to influence public perception and political discourse about Iran’s nuclear future.
Implications for US-Iran Relations
The conflicting narratives underscore tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions and US military strategies. Trump’s firm stance contrasts sharply with intelligence assessments, revealing deeper divisions over how to address Iran's nuclear program moving forward. As developments unfold, understanding both official reports and political statements remains crucial for assessing regional stability and US foreign policy.
The controversy emphasizes how military actions are often subject to differing interpretations, impacting diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.