US Intelligence: US Strikes Delay Iran’s Nuke Only Months, Not Destroy It/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) report finds Iran’s nuclear advancement delayed by mere months—not obliterated as Trump claimed. The report notes key enrichment facilities at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan remain largely intact. Experts warn Iran may still retain the means to rebuild or covertly enrich fissile material despite damage.
U.S. Intelligence Indicates Limited Impact from Strikes: Quick Looks
- DIA assessing that U.S. strikes slowed Iran’s nuclear program by only a few months.
- Enriched uranium and centrifuges were reportedly moved before attacks and remain operative.
- Fordo facility’s underground sections survived bunker-buster bombs.
- White House strongly disputes DIA report, citing “total obliteration.”
- Satellite evidence suggests Iran preemptively sealed tunnels and moved materials.
- Experts warn intact stocks could enable covert rebuilding and rapid weaponization.
- Biden pick-up techniques and covert facility creation add urgency to monitoring.
- Nuclear watchdog IAEA warns Iran still capable of constructing a bomb.
US Intelligence: US Strikes Delay Iran’s Nuke Only Months, Not Destroy It
Deep Look
Washington — June 24, 2025
An early Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) report concludes that U.S. strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites—Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan—merely delayed Iran’s nuclear program by months rather than “completely obliterating” it, contradicting bold claims by President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Damage vs. Durability
According to unnamed sources, the DIA found:
- Iran relocated a portion of its highly enriched uranium and protected centrifuges before the strikes.
- At Fordo, B‑2 bomber bunker‑busters collapsed tunnels and damaged infrastructure—but the underground networks remained intact.
- Natanz and Isfahan faced significant but not decisive damage.
- Enrichment operations may be down but could regain momentum as facilities remain capable.
These outcomes were anticipated by intelligence assessments before the strike.
White House Reaction
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt labeled the report “flat‑out wrong,” saying the mission flawlessly obliterated the program. Special envoy Steve Witkoff called leaked intelligence “outrageous” and “treasonous,” demanding an investigation.
Iran’s Tactical Moves
Satellite images from Maxar Technologies show bulldozers and trucks sealing Fordo’s tunnels days before the attack—possibly to protect uranium or centrifuges. Former U.S. intelligence analyst Eric Brewer told the AP it’s plausible Iran moved enriched uranium away from the facility, which would explain its preservation.
Expert Warnings
- Brewer and nonproliferation experts warn that 60% enriched uranium retained by Iran, combined with centrifuge capacity, could be quickly turned into a bomb-grade program.
- Kelsey Davenport of the Arms Control Association emphasized that diverted centrifuges could support a “covert enrichment facility” capable of rapid weaponization.
Meanwhile, IAEA head Rafael Grossi reported Iran has enough enriched material that could build several bombs if the regime chose to weaponize—a dire reminder of the stakes should covert operations resume.
Nuclear Oversight Challenges
The strikes have not eased concerns: with intact facilities and enriched uranium, the foundation for covert nuclear expansion remains. Collider centrifuges, stripped of oversight, and newly announced facilities like Isfahan raise fears of an empowered nuclear program despite visible setbacks.
Diplomatic and Strategic Risk
With U.S. intelligence challenging the narrative of destruction, the possibility of Iranian retaliation, nuclear retrenchment, or weapons development increases. This highlights several pressures:
- Diplomacy: The U.S. may find restarting negotiations more difficult if Iran perceives weakness or untrustworthiness.
- Security: Regional actors may push for renewed sanctions or military options.
- Intelligence: The discrepancy between public claims and classified assessments may undermine credibility.
Way Forward
For a sustainable resolution, experts stress:
- IAEA Resumption: Unconditional Iranian cooperation with nuclear inspectors.
- Diplomacy: Renewed dialogue with Tehran to limit enrichment and halt weapons pathways.
- Transparency: Alignment of public statements with real intelligence assessments to preserve credibility.
- Monitoring: Dedicated surveillance and satellite tracking to watch for covert nuclear activity.
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