US strikes failed to eliminate Iran’s nuclear sites intelligence report reveals

Wednesday 25 June 2025 - 11:04

By: Zahouani Ilham

US strikes failed to eliminate Iran’s nuclear sites intelligence report reveals

A preliminary U.S. intelligence report indicates that recent American airstrikes failed to eliminate Iran’s nuclear program, only delaying it by a few months. This assessment comes as a tentative ceasefire, brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, takes effect between Iran and Israel.

Earlier, both nations signaled an end to their air conflict following Trump's public reprimand over ceasefire violations announced at 0500 GMT. After 12 days of hostilities, including a U.S. strike on Iran’s uranium enrichment sites, both Iran and Israel claimed victory as they lifted civilian restrictions.

Despite President Trump’s weekend claim that 30,000-pound bombs had "obliterated" Iran’s nuclear program, intelligence sources familiar with the matter say Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles remain intact and the program, much of which is underground, was only set back by about one or two months. Iran maintains its nuclear activities are for peaceful energy purposes.

The White House rejected the intelligence findings as "flat out wrong." According to the Defense Intelligence Agency’s report, while entrances to two facilities were sealed, underground structures remained undamaged. Some centrifuges survived the attacks.

At the United Nations Security Council, the U.S. stated its strikes "degraded" Iran's nuclear program, which was less definitive than Trump's earlier "obliteration" assertion.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that the attacks removed the immediate nuclear threat and vowed to prevent any attempt by Tehran to restart its weapons efforts. Netanyahu emphasized the elimination of two existential threats: nuclear annihilation and attacks from ballistic missiles.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared the war’s end a "great victory" and expressed readiness to resolve differences with the U.S. in talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The conflict began on June 13 with Israel’s surprise air assault on Iran’s nuclear sites and key military leaders, marking the most significant strike since the 1980s war with Iraq. Iran retaliated with missile strikes on Israeli military and urban targets.

Both countries have now reopened airspace and lifted restrictions, though the ceasefire remains fragile, with mutual accusations of violations. Trump criticized both parties, particularly urging Israel to "calm down," reportedly calling off further attacks at his behest.

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz assured U.S. officials of adherence to the ceasefire unless Iran breaches it, a commitment echoed by Pezeshkian.

Despite the ceasefire, deep mistrust persists. Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir noted that a significant chapter has ended but the campaign against Iran-backed Hamas continues. Iran’s military warned of learning from the conflict’s "crushing blows."

Iran reported 610 deaths and over 4,700 injuries from Israeli strikes; retaliatory Iranian missiles killed 28 in Israel, marking a rare penetration of Israeli defenses.

The ceasefire improved global market confidence, easing fears of Gulf oil supply disruptions.