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Pentagon Claims U.S. Strikes Delayed Iran’s Nuclear Program by Up to Two Years

Tehran’s suspension of IAEA inspections casts uncertainty over the estimated multi-year setback.

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Overview

  • The Pentagon announced on July 2 that B-2 bomber strikes on Fordo, Natanz and Ispahan have set back Iran’s nuclear efforts by one to two years, according to spokesperson Sean Parnell.
  • Operation Midnight Hammer employed GBU-57 penetrating bombs in the June 21–22 raids, following an earlier Israeli bombing campaign.
  • Independent analysts and a leaked U.S. intelligence assessment say the strikes likely caused only months of delay, highlighting challenges in damage verification.
  • Iran has suspended cooperation with the IAEA and refused director general inspections, and the agency warns Tehran could resume enrichment within months.
  • President Trump declared the program “annihilated” and Defense Secretary Hegseth hailed the raids as decisive, illustrating divergent official narratives on their effectiveness.