LeadStory

How effective were U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear sites?

Asked 8 days ago

Answer

U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear sites caused significant damage to above-ground structures and temporarily disrupted Iran's nuclear program, but did not destroy the core underground components. Most intelligence assessments suggest the strikes set back the program by only a few months, despite public claims by U.S. officials that the program was obliterated. There is disagreement among U.S. agencies, with the CIA claiming severe damage requiring years to rebuild, while the Defense Intelligence Agency and other sources report only a months-long setback. Satellite imagery confirms substantial destruction, especially at Fordow, but the long-term impact remains uncertain.

References

CIA head claims U.S. strikes severely damaged Iran nuclear sites
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Euronews
8 days ago
CIA head claims U.S. strikes severely damaged Iran nuclear sites

The CIA claims that key Iranian nuclear sites were destroyed and would take years to rebuild, but stops short of saying the program was eliminated. This contrasts with the Defense Intelligence Agency's assessment that Iran could restart its program within months.

Trump closes NATO summit, vows proof Iran’s nuclear program destroyed
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CBC News
8 days ago
Trump closes NATO summit, vows proof Iran’s nuclear program destroyed

Leaked U.S. intelligence reports and inspectors indicate the strikes may have only delayed Iran's nuclear program, with some facilities left untouched and the possibility that Iran moved enriched uranium before the attacks.

Assessing the true impact of U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear sites
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CBS News
8 days ago
Assessing the true impact of U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear sites

An early U.S. assessment suggests the strikes only caused a months-long setback in Iran's nuclear ambitions, with damage such as loss of water and electricity and caved-in entrances. The Pentagon has not been able to physically inspect the sites, and the assessment is described as low-confidence.

U.S. strikes may only delay Iran nuclear program by months
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Reuters
9 days ago
U.S. strikes may only delay Iran nuclear program by months

A preliminary U.S. intelligence assessment determined the strikes only set Iran's nuclear program back by a matter of months. There is significant disagreement within the U.S. government about the extent of the damage.

Report: U.S. strikes on Iran did not destroy nuclear sites
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CNN
10 days ago
Report: U.S. strikes on Iran did not destroy nuclear sites

A preliminary U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency assessment found that the strikes did not end or obliterate Iran's nuclear program, only setting it back by months. Most sensitive components, such as centrifuges and highly enriched uranium, remained largely intact.

Have U.S. strikes ‘obliterated’ Iran’s three main nuclear facilities?
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Euronews
10 days ago
Have U.S. strikes ‘obliterated’ Iran’s three main nuclear facilities?

Operation Midnight Hammer targeted Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Satellite imagery shows significant damage, especially at Fordow, but experts are uncertain how much the program has been set back. There are indications Iran may have moved some enriched uranium before the attacks.

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