The US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, specifically Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, have sparked controversy over their effectiveness. Here's what's known so far¹ ² ³:
- *Damage Assessment*: US President Donald Trump claimed the sites were "totally obliterated," but US intelligence assessments suggest the damage might not be as extensive. According to reports, the strikes may have only delayed Iran's nuclear program by a few months, with some sources indicating the enriched uranium stockpile remains intact.
- *Iran's Response*: Iranian officials initially downplayed the impact, calling the strikes "superficial." However, in a recent interview, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian admitted that the nuclear sites were severely damaged, stating, "We don't have any access to them, we cannot see."
- *International Reaction*: The international community is divided, with some nations supporting the US action as a deterrent against Iran's nuclear ambitions, while others worry about escalating tensions in the Middle East. The United Nations has urged calm and restraint.
- *CIA Director's Statement*: CIA Director John Ratcliffe contradicted the intelligence assessment, stating that credible intelligence indicates Iran's nuclear program was severely damaged, and key facilities may take years to rebuild.
- *Satellite Imagery*: Satellite images show significant damage at the Fordow underground complex, including six large craters, and damaged tunnel entrances at Isfahan. Repair work has begun to fill craters at the Natanz enrichment complex.
The situation remains volatile, with Iran warning of "everlasting consequences" and the US threatening additional targets if Iran doesn't make peace. The conflict between Israel and Iran continues, with both sides trading strikes.
