A satellite image shows damage to the tunnel entrances of the Isfahan Nuclear Technology Research Center, following US strikes, June 22, 2025. (Reuters)
US strikes degraded Iran’s nuclear program by one to two years: Pentagon
The Pentagon said Wednesday that last month’s US strikes on Iran have set back Tehran’s nuclear program by an estimated one to two years, according to new intelligence assessments.
“We believe, and certainly all of the intelligence that we’ve seen has led us to believe, that Iran’s facilities… have been completely obliterated,” Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said.
For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
Asked about the battle damage assessment of the strikes, Parnell added: “I think we’re thinking probably closer to two years, degraded their program by two years.”
The airstrikes took place on June 21, when seven US Air Force B-2 stealth bombers were refueled multiple times midair as they flew from their base in Missouri to targets in Iran.
The mission targeted three Iranian nuclear facilities: Fordow, Esfahan, and Natanz.
A total of 14 GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs) -- 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs -- were dropped during the strikes. In addition, a US guided-missile submarine launched over two dozen Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles at Esfahan.
Following the unprecedented US bombardment of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, conflicting reports emerged over the extent of the damage. Preliminary assessments leaked to the media from the Pentagon’s Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) suggested that Iran may still retain much of its nuclear capability.
The DIA confirmed to Al Arabiya English that it had launched an investigation into the leak of the classified assessment, characterizing it as “preliminary” and of “low-confidence.” Officials from the Trump administration have rejected the leaked findings, insisting that the sites were “obliterated.”
Iran has also acknowledged that its nuclear facilities suffered “badly damaged” as a result of the strikes.
The operation, dubbed “Operation Midnight Hammer,” involved more than 125 aircraft, a guided-missile submarine, dozens of aerial refueling tankers, and other assets, making it the largest B-2 operational strike in US history, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Dan Caine said. It was also the second-longest B-2 mission ever flown.
Read more: Trump says US military ‘obliterated’ three key nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow
Also Read
Editor's Choice
-
Pezeshkian post confirms accuracy of Al Arabiya English’s US-Iran deal scoop Middle East 1 Week ago -
US-led effort to boost Lebanon’s army emerges as key pillar of Hezbollah disarmament Middle East 04 June ,2026 -
US, Iran send mixed signals on potential deal after latest attacks Middle East 28 May ,2026 -
Al Arabiya obtains final draft of preliminary US-Iran memorandum of understanding Middle East 25 May ,2026