White House Rejects Intelligence Assessment That US Strikes Did Not Destroy Iran Nuclear Programme
The White House disputes a Pentagon report suggesting that US airstrikes on Iran failed to destroy the country’s nuclear program. The strikes caused limited damage, with much of Iran’s capabilities remaining intact. President Trump acknowledges support from Jeb Bush, while facing ongoing international scrutiny as tensions in the Middle East persist.
The White House is pushing back against an early Pentagon intelligence report regarding last week’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. The strikes, which targeted sites at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan using advanced bunker buster bombs, were touted by the administration as having “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program. However, sources indicate that Iran’s centrifuges are mostly intact and that the bombings only had a limited effect, primarily on aboveground structures.
Recent assessments suggest that Iran’s nuclear capability has only been delayed by a few months at most. Extensive damage was reported to entrances of some facilities, and limited infrastructure was impacted, yet the key underground components remain largely unscathed. While some enriched uranium appears to have been moved prior to the strikes, experts are speculating that the country may quickly resume its program as repairs begin, setting off alarm bells about the future of nuclear safety in the region.
In a surprising political twist, President Trump expressed appreciation for former rival Jeb Bush, who lauded the US action in Iran on social media. Bush stated that the strikes “reassert American strength,” marking a striking shift in their previous contentious relationship during the 2016 Republican primary. Trump’s response, which simply thanked Bush, highlighted the unorthodox nature of political alliances.
As Trump traveled aboard Air Force One toward a NATO summit in the Netherlands, he shared a text from Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte congratulating him on his actions regarding Iran. This friendly rapport contrasted sharply with the concerns voiced by American allies shortly before the strikes, when the potential for deeper conflict was evident amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.
This shift toward celebration comes amid ongoing wars in Gaza and Ukraine, which Trump had previously promised to end. Moreover, the administration’s claims about Iran’s nuclear facilities being “obliterated” conflict with the reports from military intelligence that present a much less destructive outcome. Though there is a semblance of calm following a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, the broader implications of these strikes remain tense and uncertain.
Speculation about Iran’s nuclear future continues as the region watches closely. Despite the administration’s claims of success, the lack of tangible destruction and the rapid rebuild capabilities of Iranian facilities could point toward a resumption of their controversial nuclear activities. As the ceasefire holds temporarily, the international community still remains on edge, assessing the precarious balance of power in the Middle East.
In summary, the story surrounding the US strikes on Iran is complex. Early assessments from the Pentagon contradict the administration’s bold declarations about the destruction of Iran’s nuclear capabilities. While Trump takes a political victory lap, the long-term consequences remain uncertain. The ceasefire seems to be holding, but the potential for escalation remains a significant concern in this volatile geopolitical landscape.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
