CIA Confirms Severe Damage to Iran Nuclear Facilities After US-Israeli Strikes

The Trump administration has strongly defended the recent U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, asserting that key sites including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan were significantly damaged or destroyed, with President Trump declaring the strikes ended the war and expressing readiness for nuclear deal talks. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Dan Caine highlighted years of preparation and development of specialized bunker-buster bombs used in the attacks, emphasizing the historic nature of the operation. While a preliminary Defense Intelligence Agency report indicated only limited setbacks to Iran's nuclear program, the CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed serious damage requiring years to rebuild, supported by credible intelligence. The International Atomic Energy Agency acknowledged extensive damage to several nuclear sites but continues to assess the status of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and centrifuges, which are critical for weaponization potential. Iran's Supreme Leader downplayed the bombings' impact, and Iran retaliated with strikes on Israeli and American targets before a ceasefire was agreed upon. The investigation into leaked intelligence assessments is ongoing, with differing views between intelligence agencies and the Trump administration on the extent of the damage.