Israeli Intel Counters U.S. on Iran Strike: ‘Very Significant’ Damage/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Israeli intelligence sources claim significant damage to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure from U.S.-led airstrikes, disputing a leaked U.S. report that said the setback was minor. Facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan were hit, with enriched uranium buried under rubble. Israeli officials say Iran’s nuclear progress may be halted for years and cite destruction of labs, tunnels, and assassinations of key scientists.
Quick Look
- Israeli officials report “very significant” damage to Iran’s nuclear sites, challenging U.S. intelligence that suggested only minor setbacks.
- Sites hit include Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan, with enriched uranium now reportedly buried beneath rubble.
- Experts say this adds up to a major cumulative blow, potentially delaying Iranian nuclear ambitions for years.
Israeli Intel Counters U.S. on Iran Strike: ‘Very Significant’ Damage
Deep Look
Israeli intelligence is more optimistic
Israeli officials report that U.S. and Israeli airstrikes inflicted “very significant” damage on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, directly contradicting preliminary findings from the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), according to Axios. Though Israel has not released a formal, final assessment, its intelligence analysts believe the campaign struck deep.
An Israeli official explained:
“A professional battle damage assessment takes time… we don’t think there was any bug in the operation, and we have no indications the bunker‑buster bombs didn’t work. Nobody here is disappointed.”
Widespread damage across multiple facilities
- Natanz: The primary enrichment site suffered near-total destruction above ground, with signs emerging that its underground structures also collapsed
- Fordow: Massive bunker-buster bombs reportedly breached fortifications, though final determination awaits further review
- Isfahan: The uranium reprocessing complex and its tunnels were heavily damaged, diminishing Iran’s ability to convert materials
An Israeli official declared:
“We doubt that these facilities can be activated any time in the near future.”
Enriched uranium buried—and possibly lost
Two unnamed Israeli sources said that Iran’s stockpile of 60% and 20% enriched uranium is now buried under rubble at Fordow and Isfahan, complicating recovery efforts
Cumulative impact is key
Beyond destroyed infrastructure and buried material, Israeli officials point to a coordinated campaign that included targeted assassinations of nuclear scientists and sabotage of centrifuge labs and missile production . An unnamed representative summarized:
“When you put all that together, there is a serious cumulative effect.”
Conflicting U.S. intelligence fuels debate
A leaked DIA report—cited by major outlets—claimed the strikes only delayed Iran’s nuclear development by a few months, not “obliterating” it as President Trump claimed
However, Israeli officials dismiss this, noting the DIA report is preliminary and based solely on early assessments. They emphasize that Iran itself hasn’t completed its own evaluations, with contradictory internal messaging suggesting confusion over damage extent
Diplomatic tensions and internal turmoil
The public leak of the intelligence assessment drew strong criticism from the White House. Senior U.S. officials, including a Trump envoy, denounced it as “treasonous” . Now, national security debates continue even as Iran weighs its next moves, including potential withdrawal from the Nuclear Non‑Proliferation Treaty.
Key Insights
| Insight | Details |
|---|---|
| Israeli view | Confident that nukes are set back years, with damaged facilities and buried uranium. |
| U.S. view | DIA preliminary report suggests modest delay, not destruction. |
| Ongoing assessments | Both nations await deeper analysis; Iran’s true losses remain murky. |
Why It Matters
- Strategic Shift: If Israeli claims hold, Iran’s nuclear ambitions face a serious long-term setback.
- Alliance Strain: Conflicting U.S. and Israeli narratives may strain intelligence coordination at a sensitive time.
- Policy Pressure: The debate will influence global diplomacy and military planning, including future inspections.
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