U.S. Airstrikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites Likely Caused Only Temporary Setback, Say Intel Sources
CNN Reports U.S. Intelligence Believes Iran’s Nuclear Infrastructure Remains Intact Despite Precision Strikes.
Watan-CNN reported on Tuesday, citing three informed sources, that preliminary U.S. intelligence assessments indicate the recent American airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities did not destroy the core infrastructure of Iran’s nuclear program. Instead, the strikes are believed to have only delayed it for several months.
The airstrikes, carried out last week, targeted key nuclear sites believed to be part of Iran’s efforts to enrich uranium and advance its weapons capabilities. Despite their strategic scope and precision, the sources say the damage was limited, and Iran is expected to recover and resume operations within a few months.
CNN quoted White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who strongly dismissed the intelligence report, stating:“This alleged assessment is completely false.”
While Washington has not released an official damage report, satellite images and independent analysts confirm that while some peripheral structures were hit, core facilities such as underground centrifuge halls remained largely operational.
The strikes were part of a broader campaign coordinated with Israel, intended to degrade Iran’s nuclear capabilities amid fears of a regional escalation.
Despite these efforts, the U.S. now faces criticism over the effectiveness and strategic outcome of the mission, with concerns growing that Tehran’s program may not have been significantly disrupted, and could resume progress toward weapons-grade enrichment.
The White House maintains that the airstrikes were “necessary and successful” in sending a deterrent message to Iran and its allies, while simultaneously preparing diplomatic avenues to prevent further escalation.
