US Iran Nuclear Strike Faces New Scrutiny

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine described the precision strikes on Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility, highlighting the use of bunker-buster bombs to destroy key infrastructure. The Pentagon and President Trump called the operation a historic success, while CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Israeli sources claimed it set back Iran’s nuclear ambitions by years. However, a leaked Defense Intelligence Agency report suggested the damage may only delay Iran’s program by months, leading to debate and increased media scrutiny. Administration officials criticized the media for challenging their account and argued the attack was pivotal in prompting a ceasefire in the regional conflict. President Trump’s comparison of the strikes to the WWII atomic bombings drew condemnation from Japanese officials and survivors. U.S. officials maintain that Iran’s nuclear facilities were neutralized, though acknowledge that Tehran could pursue rebuilding efforts.