The recent US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites have stirred global debate, with conflicting claims about the extent of the damage. While Washington officially praised the operation as a major success, early intelligence assessments suggest the attack may have only temporarily slowed Iran’s nuclear progress rather than fully dismantling it.
According to preliminary reports from defense officials, the strikes targeted three major sites—Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan—using powerful “bunker buster” bombs designed to penetrate deep underground. Although some entrances and surface structures were destroyed, most of Iran’s centrifuges—the core machinery for enriching uranium—remained intact. Much of the enriched uranium stockpile was also moved before the bombing began.
Analysts estimate that the attack may have delayed Iran’s nuclear programme by just a few months. Some believe Iran could resume work once key infrastructure is repaired.
Despite this, US leaders insist the mission achieved its goals. Military officials described the damage as “severe,” citing satellite imagery showing craters and widespread surface disruption at the Fordo site. The Defense Secretary stated the bombing campaign “obliterated Iran’s ability to create nuclear weapons,” while also dismissing any doubts as politically motivated.
Still, some lawmakers and experts question the impact, pointing out that critical underground elements of the facilities remain untouched. One congressional voice argued that without clear proof the strikes destroyed Iran’s ability to enrich uranium or depleted its nuclear stockpile, declaring victory may be premature.
Meanwhile, Iranian state media claimed the sites had already been evacuated and that crucial materials were removed in anticipation of the attacks. They downplayed the damage, saying Iran’s nuclear capabilities remain intact.
The strikes sparked swift retaliation from Iran, which fired missiles at a US military base in Qatar. That attack was largely intercepted, and no injuries were reported. A ceasefire between Iran and Israel has since taken hold, following mediation efforts.
Experts warn that while Iran’s programme has been disrupted, rebuilding is possible—especially if the country is determined to continue. Future intelligence reports may provide a clearer picture, but for now, the question remains: was this a decisive blow, or a temporary setback?