The Pentagon officially stated that US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities pushed back its programme by one to two years. The announcement is in line with President Donald Trump’s assertion that the attacks “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear industry.
Trump ordered the bombing of three of Iran’s most important nuclear facilities in a 12-day war in which Israel and the US attacked Iran. Although the extent of the damage is contested, US officials argue the operation imposed substantial delays.
Pentagon Echoes Trump’s Claims
The Pentagon referred to the strikes as a “bold operation” and said Iran’s program had been “set back by one to two years at least.” Trump had previously asserted that the nuclear program was “obliterated like nobody’s ever seen before.” Trump firmly rejected claims that downgraded the extent of damage.
A previous leaked US intelligence assessment had indicated the effect was minimal—only pushing Iran’s advance back months. But Parnell’s statements now are consistent with Trump’s account.
Iran reacts with Secrecy and Denials
Iran has been evasive on how extensive the damage was. Officials acknowledged some of the locations were severely damaged. But Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei accused President Trump of overstating the effects of the bombing.
Iran has not let international inspectors on the ground at the sites affected. Its parliament recently approved a law to suspend cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, the IAEA. The government charged that the agency had transferred secret information to Israel—an assertion the IAEA rejected.
IAEA Left in the Dark
IAEA head Rafael Grossi assured that the agency had lost control. Grossi said Iran would be able to resume uranium enrichment “a matter of months” from now. Satellite imagery indicated trucks departing the Fordow site prior to the attacks, which raised questions regarding the whereabouts of Iran’s enriched uranium.
Grossi further explained that certain stockpiles of uranium could have been damaged or relocated. There were no radiation spikes observed, however. The situation remains unclear.
US, Israel Declare Victory, Iran Disagrees
Israel initiated the initial attack on June 13, describing it as preemptive. Iran fired missiles back, taking out 29 in Israel. Ten days into the conflict, the US entered the fray. Iran fired a missile at a US base in Qatar. The assault resulted in no casualties.
Trump then declared a ceasefire, proclaiming a “historic victory.” Israel said it had destroyed Iran’s nuclear facilities, but Tehran contended it had preserved essential infrastructure and military might.
With Iran’s nuclear programme now out of international sight, its long-term effect is unclear. But for the time being, Washington thinks that it has gained time.