Trump Defends US, Israel Iran Nuclear Strikes Amid Intelligence Doubts

President Donald Trump has defended the recent US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, claiming they have "completely and fully obliterated" Iran's nuclear capabilities and ended the conflict between Israel and Iran. Trump compared the strikes to the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, suggesting that without these attacks, hostilities would still be ongoing. Despite these assertions, a preliminary US intelligence assessment leaked to the media indicated that Iran's nuclear program was only delayed by a few months, though the report was considered low confidence by officials. Trump and his administration dismissed the leaked report as unfair and emphasized the significant setbacks Iran has faced, citing Israeli statements that key sites like the Fordo facility were rendered inoperable. The White House clarified that Trump's recent remarks about allowing China to purchase Iranian oil did not signal a reversal of US sanctions or the maximum pressure policy, but rather highlighted the strategic importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open. The situation remains complex, with ongoing diplomatic and military considerations shaping the US approach to Iran's nuclear ambitions and regional stability.