Fact Check: Israeli airstrikes have only set back Iran's nuclear program by a matter of months, despite significant damage to the Natanz facility.

Fact Check: "Israeli airstrikes have only set back Iran's nuclear program by a matter of months, despite significant damage to the Natanz facility."

What We Know

Recent Israeli airstrikes on Iran, particularly targeting the Natanz nuclear facility, have been described as the largest assault on the country since the Iran–Iraq War. These strikes occurred on June 13, 2025, and involved attacks on multiple locations, including military installations and nuclear sites, resulting in significant damage and casualties among Iranian military leaders and scientists (AP News, Wikipedia).

The Natanz facility, a key site for Iran's uranium enrichment, was reportedly heavily damaged in these strikes, with some sources indicating that the damage could set back Iran's nuclear program by several months (AP News, New York Times). However, experts have noted that while the airstrikes caused immediate disruption, they may not have fundamentally altered Iran's long-term nuclear ambitions or capabilities (Straits Times, Understanding War).

Analysis

The claim that Israeli airstrikes have only set back Iran's nuclear program by a matter of months is supported by some evidence but requires careful consideration of the broader context. The airstrikes did indeed cause substantial damage to the Natanz facility and other nuclear sites, which could temporarily hinder Iran's uranium enrichment activities (Wikipedia, WION). However, the extent of this setback is debated among experts.

For instance, while the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that there was no immediate increase in radiation levels following the strikes, indicating that the facilities were still operational to some degree, this does not necessarily mean that Iran's nuclear program is irreparably harmed (New York Times, TRT). Furthermore, historical context shows that Iran has demonstrated resilience and adaptability in its nuclear program, often recovering from previous setbacks caused by Israeli actions, including cyberattacks and physical sabotage (Straits Times, WION).

The reliability of sources discussing the impact of these airstrikes varies. While major news outlets provide a broad overview, specialized military and nuclear policy analysts offer deeper insights into the implications of such actions. The potential bias of sources should also be considered, as narratives may be influenced by geopolitical interests (Understanding War, AP News).

Conclusion

The verdict on the claim that "Israeli airstrikes have only set back Iran's nuclear program by a matter of months, despite significant damage to the Natanz facility" is Partially True. The airstrikes did inflict considerable damage that could delay Iran's nuclear activities temporarily. However, the long-term effects on Iran's nuclear ambitions remain uncertain, as the country has historically shown the ability to recover from such setbacks. Thus, while the claim holds some truth, it oversimplifies the complexity of Iran's nuclear program and its resilience.

Sources

1. A timeline of conflict between Israel and Iran | AP News
2. June 2025 Israeli strikes on Iran
3. Israel strikes Iran's nuclear sites and kills top generals. Iran ...
4. Explosions and Buzzing Drones Heard as Israel and Iran Exchange New ...
5. Israel strikes Iran: How Iranian nuclear programme was hit in past with ...
6. Explainer-How much damage have Israeli strikes caused to Iran's nuclear ...
7. Iran Update Special Edition: Israeli Strikes on Iran, June 13 ...
8. Israel's major assault on Iran - A timeline of what happened so far