The damaged strikes did not destroy the new program

In Iran, the Fordo nuclear site shows large craters from an American attack. The Pentagon says the strikes only briefly delayed Iran's nuclear program, not stopped it. Trump's claim of total destruction was backed by the White House, which criticized the damage assessment.

An early Pentagon intelligence assessment suggests that the US attack on Iran's nuclear facilities only delayed the program by a few months and did not destroy it. The White House claims the original damage evaluation was false and aimed to belittle President Trump, who insists the strikes completely destroyed the sites.

After the Saturday attacks, Gen Dan Caine, head of the joint chiefs of staff, stated that it would take time to assess the damage to the infrastructure, but significant destruction occurred at all three targeted locations. Satellite images of the Fordo nuclear facilities showed signs of damage, but the full extent remains unclear. Iran's state television deputy, Hassan Abedini, claimed that the sites had been evacuated, minimizing the losses, while Israeli and American officials called the operation successful. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth asserted that the bombings effectively destroyed Iran’s nuclear weapon production capacity.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the success in reducing Iran's nuclear threats and missile capabilities. An Israeli source indicated that much of Iran's enriched uranium might still be buried under debris. David Albright from the Institute for Science and International Security noted that rebuilding Iran's nuclear program will require significant resources and that the country is closely monitored by the US and Israel, facing potential further strikes.

In retaliation, Iran fired a missile at AlUdeid Air Base in Qatar, but most of it was intercepted without casualties. President Trump is advocating for a truce, and both countries confirmed a cease-fire is in place.