A new U.S. intelligence assessment from the Defense Intelligence Agency reveals that recent American airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure caused notable damage but fell short of total destruction. The strikes targeted key sites at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan, all central to Iran’s nuclear enrichment efforts. According to sources familiar with the report, some enriched uranium was moved before the strikes, and most centrifuges—vital for producing nuclear material—remained intact. At the Fordo site specifically, while access points were damaged, the deeper underground facilities were not eliminated. This suggests Iran’s program, though disrupted, retains critical capabilities.
The White House sharply criticized the leaked report, calling it “flat-out wrong” and defending the mission as completely successful. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt framed the strikes as “perfectly executed,” crediting them with obliterating Iran’s nuclear program. Former President Donald Trump echoed this in repeated public statements, insisting the sites were “totally destroyed” and incapable of being rebuilt. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supported this view, calling the joint action “historic” and affirming that Iran’s nuclear ambitions had been “brought to ruin.” The strong political response reflects a determination to portray the operation as a major strategic win.
However, the DIA’s findings offer a more cautious interpretation of the outcome. While the strikes may delay Iran’s progress by several months, the survival of infrastructure and materials indicates the program can likely be resumed. Intelligence officials emphasize that Fordo’s underground design shielded its core from complete annihilation. The CIA and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence declined to comment on the report, underscoring its sensitivity.