US President Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed that recent coordinated airstrikes by the US and Israel had “completely and fully obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities. However, a leaked American intelligence assessment has cast doubt on those claims, suggesting the impact may be far less significant.
“This was a devastating attack, and it knocked them for a loop,” Trump said, asserting that the strikes were a major success. He credited the mission with crippling Iran’s nuclear ambitions and restoring regional deterrence. The White House echoed his statement by referencing a declaration from the Israel Atomic Energy Commission, which said Iran’s nuclear programme had been set back by “many years.”
The strikes, conducted using stealth bombers equipped with deep-penetrating munitions, targeted key nuclear sites, including the heavily fortified Fordo facility—located deep underground. Israeli officials claimed that the Fordo site was rendered inoperable. Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry confirmed substantial damage, with spokesperson Esmail Baghaei telling Al Jazeera, “Our nuclear installations have been badly damaged, that’s for sure.”
Despite these assertions, a preliminary intelligence assessment leaked to the US media estimated that Iran’s programme had only suffered a delay of a few months. The report was described as “preliminary” and of “low confidence” by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio lashed out at those responsible for the leaks, calling them “professional stabbers.”
Trump, known for his antagonism toward intelligence officials during his presidency, renewed his attack on what he calls the “deep state.” He criticized the media coverage of the leaked report, calling it “scum” and “disgusting,” and accused journalists of being disrespectful to the military personnel involved in the strike. “These reports are very unfair to the pilots, who risked their lives for our country,” he said.
The central question still remains unanswered: was Iran able to move any enriched uranium before the strikes? “I believe they didn’t have a chance,” Trump said, “We acted fast, and moving that kind of material is very difficult and dangerous.”
Classified briefings for lawmakers are expected to begin later this week, which may provide further clarity on the actual damage caused and its long-term impact on Iran’s nuclear trajectory.