CIA Reports U.S. Strikes Have ‘Severely Damaged’ Iran’s Nuclear Program
On Wednesday, CIA Director John Ratcliffe announced that credible intelligence suggested Iran’s nuclear program was “severely damaged” during recent U.S. airstrikes, claiming that several key sites were destroyed. However, a leaked initial assessment from the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) indicated that the bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites may have only delayed the country’s nuclear ambitions by a few months, contradicting assertions made by President Donald Trump regarding the scope of the damage. The details surrounding the extent of the damage to Iran’s nuclear facilities have become a contentious topic, with political figures reacting strongly.
Trump and his administration have criticized the leak of the DIA report, suggesting it misrepresents the impact of the strikes, while Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns about potential exaggerations from the White House. Ratcliffe defended the CIA’s findings, stating they were derived from “credible intelligence” that refuted what he termed “illegally sourced public reporting.” He referred to new intelligence indicating that several significant Iranian nuclear facilities would require years to rebuild, highlighting the reliability of the sources being used. Meanwhile, Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence, echoed Ratcliffe’s assessment earlier in the day.
However, arms control experts and former intelligence officials cautioned that Iran could still revitalize its nuclear program, particularly if it managed to maintain a sufficient supply of highly enriched uranium and advanced centrifuges. Rafael Grossi, head of the United Nations atomic watchdog, expressed concerns that Iran may still possess a stockpile of highly enriched uranium despite the recent airstrikes. He suggested that Iran could have relocated the uranium shortly after the initial Israeli bombings.
Before Ratcliffe’s announcement, Trump dismissed the DIA’s assessment, labeling it inconclusive and stating that Iran’s nuclear capabilities had been thoroughly “obliterated.” Notably, the DIA’s initial report had been categorized as reflecting “low confidence,” indicating uncertainty regarding the actual effectiveness of the strikes. As investigations into the full extent of the damage are ongoing, indications suggest that key elements of Iran’s nuclear program may still be intact.