A significant question looms over recent U.S. military actions against Iran. Following airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, doubts have emerged about the effectiveness of these operations. President Donald Trump confidently declared the strikes a "spectacular military success," claiming they obliterated key nuclear sites. However, reports from U.S. defense sources suggest a different story.
According to leaks from the Defense Department, the bombing may have only delayed Iran’s nuclear capabilities by a few months. Initial assessments indicate that crucial components of Iran’s nuclear program remain intact, raising concerns about the overall impact of the operation. One source expressed disappointment, stating, "We were assuming that the damage was going to be much more significant."
Multiple news outlets, including NBC News, The New York Times, and CNN, have reported similar findings from intelligence assessments. These reports suggest that the airstrikes were not as effective as the Trump administration claimed. In response to these leaks, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt strongly denied the allegations, labeling them as "flat-out wrong" and accusing the leakers of trying to undermine the president and the military’s actions.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also defended the airstrikes, asserting that they successfully destroyed Iran’s ability to produce nuclear weapons. He emphasized that the bombs hit their targets precisely and that the results are buried under rubble in Iran.
Despite these assertions, experts caution against drawing conclusions too quickly. Former CIA Director David Petraeus noted that battle damage assessments take time and require thorough analysis. He advised patience and warned that premature conclusions could be misleading.
Further complicating the situation, questions remain about whether Iran managed to relocate equipment prior to the strikes. Additionally, the fate of approximately 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium remains unknown.
The classified assessment of the military operation has been shared with Congress, and some senators have viewed it in secure settings. Democratic Senator Tim Kaine expressed disappointment over the public discussion of classified information, emphasizing the importance of confidentiality in such matters.
Amidst the uncertainty, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, asserted that Iran’s nuclear capabilities have been significantly reduced. He acknowledged the need for further assessment but indicated that the threat level has decreased compared to previous weeks.
As the situation develops, both U.S. officials and analysts will continue to monitor the outcomes of these military actions and their implications for regional security.