Leavitt: ‘We Were Watching Iran Sites, Uranium Didn’t Move Before US Strike’/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the U.S. monitored Iranian nuclear facilities “for weeks” before executing Saturday’s covert military strikes. She stated there was no sign enriched uranium was relocated prior to Operation Midnight Hammer. Leavitt described the mission as “one of the most secretive and successful operations in United States history,” emphasizing its surprise.
Monitoring Iran + Quick Looks
- Weeks of surveillance: U.S. intelligence closely observed Iran’s nuclear sites ahead of strikes.
- No uranium movement detected: Officials found no signs Iran relocated enriched uranium beforehand.
- Leavitt praises secrecy: Press secretary hailed the mission’s covert planning and flawless execution.
- Trump rejects war escalation: White House reaffirmed that Donald Trump seeks a “peaceful outcome,” not a prolonged conflict.
- Senate Republicans defend mission: Leading GOP senators “pushed back” on leaks doubting the strike’s effectiveness.
Leavitt: ‘We Were Watching Iran Sites, Uranium Didn’t Move Before US Strike’
Deep Look
LEAVITT CONFIRMS INTELLIGENCE WATCH BEFORE STRIKES
On Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that U.S. intelligence agencies had been observing key Iranian nuclear facilities for several weeks leading up to Operation Midnight Hammer, the secretive airstrike carried out on Saturday.
“We were monitoring these sites very closely,” Leavitt stated. “There was no indication that Iran moved its enriched uranium out of the facilities before the operation.”
“ONE OF THE MOST SECRETIVE AND SUCCESSFUL OPERATIONS”
Highly praising the operation’s planning and execution, she said, “It was one of the most secretive and successful operations in United States history,” adding with satisfaction, “I think many of you in this room would agree with that because none of you knew…until it took place.” This statement underscored the administration’s emphasis on operational security and surprise.
TRUMP: NOT SEEKING ‘ENDLESS WAR’
Leavitt reiterated President Trump’s reluctance to embroil the U.S. in prolonged conflict.
Responding to media concerns about potential escalation, she said, “He does not want the United States to be dragged into these conflicts again…He’s not afraid to use strength if he has to…but the president has already proven he can put America first and deliver on peace.”
SENATE GOP FUELS CONFIDENCE IN SUCCESS
Although leaks emerged suggesting U.S. intelligence had “low confidence” that the strikes fully demolished Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Senate Republicans defended the operation as decisive. Sen. Kevin Cramer (R‑N.D.) dismissed the intelligence report as “fodder for political discussion,” asserting, “I think the mission was accomplished.”
Senate Armed Services Chair Roger Wicker (R‑Miss.) called the reports “bogus,” following a closed-door briefing with Israeli officials.
STEALTH STRIKE CONFIRMED
Official Pentagon sources and defense analysts affirm that the B‑2 Spirit stealth bombers penetrated undetected, delivering bunker-buster munitions on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Top military brass reported Iranian air-defense systems failed to intercept the aircraft. While U.S. officials maintain the strikes inflicted severe damage, subsequent satellite evidence and limited open-source intel suggest the impact may be significant but not total.
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