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Trump Defends Iran Strikes as Intel Points to Only Months of Delay

Diplomatic efforts are underway to prevent Iran from rebuilding its nuclear program following conflicting damage assessments.

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This satellite image shows the Fordow nuclear facility in Iran on June 24, 2025. The image shows new damage to the facility caused by June 23 strikes, including craters along the access roads that lead to the tunnel entrances and the Fordow underground complex. Multiple craters are visible at several of the tunnel openings and several buildings along the northeastern perimeter road have been destroyed. An additional crater is seen in the middle of the access road to the northwest of the facility.
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President Donald Trump speaks as he meets with Netherlands' Prime Minister Dick Schoof on the sidelines of a NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands, Wednesday, June 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Overview

  • President Trump says US bombers “completely and fully obliterated” three key Iranian nuclear sites, including the underground Fordo facility.
  • A preliminary Pentagon intelligence assessment, described as low-confidence by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, suggests the strikes may have delayed Iran’s program by only a few months.
  • The White House is countering the leaked report with a statement from the Israel Atomic Energy Commission claiming the joint strikes set back Iran’s nuclear work by many years.
  • A ceasefire brokered on June 23 holds tenuously as both Israel and Iran report violations and maintain readiness for further action.
  • Classified briefings for lawmakers have been postponed to later this week while US and Iranian officials prepare for potential talks to curb Iran’s nuclear rebuilding.