Fact Check: Cohen claims Trump set Iran's nuclear program back five to ten years
What We Know
The claim that President Trump set Iran's nuclear program back five to ten years is contradicted by a recent U.S. intelligence assessment. According to a report from the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), the strikes conducted by the U.S. on Iranian nuclear facilities have only set back Iran's nuclear program by "a few months," rather than the years suggested by Trump and others (AP News). The report indicated that while significant damage was inflicted on facilities at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan, these sites were not completely destroyed, and many of Iran's capabilities remain intact (NPR).
Analysis
The assertion that Trump's actions set back Iran's nuclear program by five to ten years lacks substantial evidence and is contradicted by credible intelligence assessments. The DIA's preliminary report, which has been described as "low confidence," suggests that the damage was not as extensive as claimed by Trump (AP News).
Moreover, independent experts have expressed skepticism regarding the effectiveness of the strikes. For instance, Jeffrey Lewis, a professor specializing in nuclear nonproliferation, stated that key components of Iran's nuclear program were likely not targeted effectively, indicating that the strikes did not achieve their intended goal of crippling Iran's nuclear capabilities (NPR).
The reliability of the sources reporting on this matter is crucial. The AP and NPR are established news organizations known for their journalistic standards, which adds credibility to their reporting. In contrast, statements made by Trump and his administration often reflect political motivations and may not be grounded in independent assessments.
Conclusion
The claim that Trump's military actions set back Iran's nuclear program by five to ten years is False. The evidence from U.S. intelligence assessments indicates that the actual setback is only a few months, and many of Iran's nuclear capabilities remain intact. This discrepancy highlights the importance of relying on verified intelligence rather than politically charged statements.
