A heated debate is unfolding over the true extent of damage to Iran's nuclear capabilities after recent U.S. strikes targeted key sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Some U.S. officials are cheering the operation as a spectacular military success, while leaked intelligence hints that the impact may have only delayed Iran’s program by a few months. 🧐
According to U.S. intelligence and a classified Defense Intelligence Agency assessment, bunker buster bombs used in the attacks failed to collapse underground structures, leaving some centrifuges intact. High-ranking figures like CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claim that critical infrastructure, including a major metal conversion facility, was destroyed in the operation.
However, anonymous leaks reported by media outlets, including intercepted communications mentioned by the Washington Post, suggest that the strikes might have fallen short of completely crippling Iran’s nuclear program. International experts, such as IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, have expressed skepticism about claims that decades of progress were undone, noting that Iran could potentially resume enrichment activities within months.
This clash of perspectives has sparked global discussion, highlighting the complexities of international security and nuclear non-proliferation. As debates continue, many are left wondering if this operation will mark a turning point or merely add another chapter to an ongoing saga. Stay tuned as experts and policymakers dive deeper into this controversial topic! 🚀
Reference(s):
cgtn.com