The CIA Director John Ratcliffe has stated that recent US military strikes have “severely damaged” Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, claiming the attack set Tehran’s atomic ambitions back by several years. This declaration contrasts with a leaked Pentagon intelligence report suggesting the damage was limited and short-term.
The precision air raids, reportedly involving 125 American aircraft, targeted three of Iran’s key nuclear facilities Natanz, Fordo, and Esfahan over the weekend. Satellite images revealed extensive surface damage at Fordo and Esfahan, including multiple craters near access points. However, questions remain over whether the deeply buried components of these facilities were completely destroyed.
Ratcliffe’s remarks, released on Wednesday, were bolstered by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who said on social media that if Iran chose to rebuild the affected facilities, “it would likely take years to do.” Ratcliffe cited “new intelligence from a historically reliable source” as the basis for the CIA’s assessment.
President Donald Trump reiterated his stance, calling the raid an “obliteration” of Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Speaking at a NATO summit in The Hague, he said the strikes were “very severe” and hinted at possible negotiations with Iran in the coming week, although Tehran has yet to confirm any diplomatic engagements.
The Pentagon’s Defense Intelligence Agency, however, leaked a preliminary report estimating that Iran’s nuclear program was set back by only “a few months.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed that finding as “low confidence,” while other officials emphasized it was an early assessment subject to change.
Adding to the conflicting narratives, Iran’s Foreign Ministry acknowledged “badly damaged” installations but provided no details. Meanwhile, an Israeli Atomic Energy Commission report claimed critical infrastructure at Fordo was destroyed, supporting US assertions of long-term disruption.
UN nuclear watchdog Rafael Grossi raised concerns that Iran may have relocated enriched uranium ahead of the strikes, which could reduce the operation’s overall effectiveness.
As both Iran and Israel maintain a fragile ceasefire brokered by the US, the full impact of the strike remains uncertain but the geopolitical reverberations are clearly far-reaching.
