US strikes delay Iran’s nuclear program by months, not destroyed

Recent U.S. military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities caused damage but didn’t wipe out the program, according to an early intelligence report. The strikes, ordered by President Donald Trump, targeted three key sites using powerful bunker-buster bombs in a historic B-2 bomber operation. While Trump claimed the sites were “destroyed,” the report suggests Iran’s nuclear efforts were only set back by a few months.

The Defense Intelligence Agency, with help from U.S. Central Command, found that the attacks damaged above-ground structures and sealed entrances at two sites, but underground facilities remained mostly intact. Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium and centrifuges, critical for making nuclear weapons, was largely unharmed, with some uranium possibly moved before the strikes.

Experts like Joseph Cirincione called the operation a costly failure, estimating it as a “$2 billion fireworks show” with little impact. However, others, like David Albright, believe Iran may have lost thousands of centrifuges and could face more strikes if it tries to rebuild.

The White House pushed back, calling the report “wrong” and insisting the mission was a success. As more details emerge, the U.S. hopes to restart talks with Iran to end its nuclear ambitions, but some worry the limited damage leaves Iran capable of quickly recovering. The ongoing assessment will clarify the strikes’ true impact.