Early US intelligence suggests Iran nuclear program slowed only by months: Sources
A preliminary US intelligence assessment suggests that recent American airstrikes only delayed Iran’s nuclear program by a few months, contradicting claims by President Donald Trump and 'Israeli' officials that the facilities were “totally destroyed,” according to an investigation by the Associated Press.
The classified report, issued by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), found that while the strikes on Iran’s Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites caused serious damage, much of the infrastructure remains intact.
Some of Iran’s highly enriched uranium and critical centrifuges were reportedly moved prior to the attacks, according to two anonymous sources familiar with the assessment.
The White House swiftly rejected the DIA findings. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard claimed in a statement that “Iran’s nuclear facilities have been destroyed,” asserting it would take Tehran years to rebuild them.
President Trump reiterated that the sites were “obliterated” during remarks at the NATO summit in the Netherlands, calling reports to the contrary “inconclusive” and slamming media outlets as “scum” for publishing leaked assessments.
The DIA acknowledged the report was preliminary and carried “low confidence,” as analysts have not had direct access to the bombed sites. A joint investigation with the FBI into the unauthorized leak has been launched.
The AP report also highlights growing concerns among experts that Iran may retain the capacity to reconstitute its nuclear program using material and equipment relocated ahead of the strikes. Satellite imagery showed suspicious movements at Fordo days before the attack.
While Iran claims its nuclear program is peaceful, the International Atomic Energy Agency has warned that Tehran has enough enriched uranium to produce several bombs if further refined.
The 'Israel' Atomic Energy Commission insisted the joint 'Israeli'-American strikes set Iran’s capabilities back “by many years,” though it provided no evidence to support the claim.
The AP report was first published on Wednesday, citing multiple intelligence and diplomatic sources.
