Trump’s Claim of ‘Destruction’ at Iranian Nuclear Plant is False, Says U.S. Intelligence, Reports ‘Very Minimal Damage’

The United States recently conducted attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities using powerful bunker-buster bombs. However, reports from U.S. intelligence agencies reveal that the damage inflicted was minimal. Despite President Trump’s claims that the strikes had effectively dismantled Iran’s ability to produce nuclear bombs, leaked reports indicate that there was no significant damage to the facilities’ internal structures.

Initial assessments by the Defense Intelligence Agency, a Pentagon-based U.S. intelligence body, suggest that only limited damage occurred to Iran’s nuclear programs. According to the intelligence evaluation, most of Iran’s nuclear centrifuges remain largely intact, with damage mainly affecting above-ground structures. An American lawmaker noted that if Iran’s nuclear stockpile is still intact, it could be enough to construct approximately nine nuclear weapons.

Citing three Pentagon intelligence officials, international news agency Reuters reported that the preliminary damage assessment contradicted the claims made by President Donald Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. President Trump criticized media outlets that reported on the leaked intelligence, accusing them of undermining what he described as “one of the most successful military attacks in history.”

Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, referred to the leak as “treason,” calling for an investigation into those responsible. However, Trump emphasized that he does not seek regime change in Iran, pointing out that it could lead to chaos, and expressed a desire for the conflict to end peacefully.

U.S. media outlet CNN also cited intelligence sources, reporting that Iran’s underground nuclear programs were not destroyed, despite some partial damage noted in assessments. A source familiar with the report mentioned that the attack blocked the entrance to Fordo’s underground facilities but did not significantly harm the internal structure or uranium stockpile. Reuters quoted a Pentagon intelligence official stating that Iran had already removed uranium and critical equipment from the nuclear site before the U.S. strikes.

The U.S. had claimed that the attack set back Iran’s nuclear program by two to five years, but the Pentagon’s intelligence agency disputes this, stating the delay might only be one to two months.

White House Press Secretary Carolyn Levitt called the leaked information misleading, explaining that the initial damage assessment report was meant to be confidential. She argued that the leaked report was an attempt to undermine President Trump and the brave pilots carrying out the mission that targeted Iran’s nuclear program.

On Sunday, the United States targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities in Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. Reports say around 12 GBU-57 bombs, each weighing roughly 14,000 kg, were dropped on the underground facility at Fordo, which President Trump claimed was completely destroyed.

Following 12 days of conflict, a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was announced on Tuesday. Reports from international news outlets stated that the 12-day war resulted in 610 deaths in Iran and 28 in Israel. After nearly two weeks of tension, the ceasefire has held, allowing both countries to experience the first peaceful night in weeks.