Fact Check: "Iran's nuclear program may only be delayed, not destroyed, by U.S. strikes."
What We Know
Recent military actions have escalated tensions between the U.S. and Iran, particularly regarding Iran's nuclear program. On June 12, 2025, Israel conducted airstrikes targeting key Iranian nuclear facilities, including Natanz and Fordow, with the U.S. providing support and coordination for these strikes (Brookings, BBC). While U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that these facilities were "obliterated," Iranian officials have downplayed the damage, asserting that the facilities had been evacuated prior to the strikes (BBC).
Experts suggest that even if the strikes caused significant damage, the deeply buried Fordow facility, which is crucial for Iran's uranium enrichment, remains largely intact. Reports indicate that Iran could potentially reconstitute its nuclear program within a year or two, especially if it relocates its activities to undisclosed sites (Brookings, AP News).
Analysis
The claim that U.S. strikes may only delay Iran's nuclear program rather than destroy it is supported by multiple sources. The Brookings Institution notes that while the initial strikes have inflicted damage, they have not achieved the complete destruction of Iran's nuclear capabilities. The Israeli National Security Advisor has also stated that military strikes alone cannot fully eliminate Iran's nuclear program, emphasizing the need for diplomatic pressure to achieve long-term goals (Brookings).
Conversely, the BBC reports that the U.S. military's use of advanced munitions, such as the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, aimed to penetrate the heavily fortified Fordow site. However, the effectiveness of these strikes remains uncertain, as experts caution that even successful attacks may not guarantee the permanent incapacitation of Iran's nuclear ambitions (BBC, TIME).
The reliability of these sources is generally high, as they include commentary from military experts and analysts who specialize in Middle Eastern geopolitics. However, there is an inherent bias in narratives surrounding military actions, particularly from government sources that may seek to justify their actions.
Conclusion
The claim that U.S. strikes may only delay, not destroy, Iran's nuclear program is Partially True. While the strikes have caused significant damage to Iran's nuclear facilities, experts agree that they are unlikely to eliminate the program entirely. The potential for Iran to quickly reconstitute its nuclear capabilities, especially at undisclosed locations, supports the notion that military action may only provide a temporary setback rather than a definitive solution.
