Fact Check: Pentagon Confirms US Bombs Did Not Destroy Iran's Nuclear Sites
What We Know
Recent reports indicate that the U.S. bombing of three nuclear sites in Iran did not obliterate the facilities as claimed by some officials. A preliminary classified report from the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) suggests that the bombing set back Iran's nuclear program by only a few months, with damage to the sites being moderate to severe but not complete. Specifically, the facilities at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan were impacted, but much of Iran's enriched uranium stockpile had been moved prior to the strikes, leaving the country capable of quickly resuming its nuclear activities (New York Times, NPR).
The strikes utilized advanced munitions, including the Massive Ordnance Penetrator, designed to penetrate deeply buried targets. However, military experts noted that more extensive damage would likely require sustained bombing over several days, which did not occur. As a result, while initial assessments indicated significant damage, they also revealed that the underground facilities remained largely intact (Washington Post, AP News).
Analysis
The claim that U.S. bombs did not destroy Iran's nuclear sites is supported by multiple sources. The DIA report, which remains classified, suggests that while the strikes caused damage, they did not eliminate Iran's nuclear capabilities. This is corroborated by statements from military officials who indicated that the facilities were not "obliterated" as claimed by President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (New York Times, BBC).
However, the reliability of the sources varies. The New York Times and NPR provide detailed insights based on anonymous officials familiar with the classified report, which adds a layer of credibility. In contrast, the White House's dismissal of the DIA's findings as "flat-out wrong" raises questions about potential bias, as it appears to be an effort to maintain a narrative of military success (BBC).
Moreover, the assessment of damage is complicated by the fact that intelligence reports are often subject to interpretation and may reflect political agendas. For instance, while some officials assert that the nuclear program was severely damaged, others caution that the extent of the damage remains uncertain and that Iran could still quickly advance its nuclear capabilities if it chooses to do so (NPR, Washington Post).
Conclusion
The claim that U.S. bombs did not destroy Iran's nuclear sites is Partially True. While the strikes did inflict damage on the facilities, they did not obliterate Iran's nuclear capabilities as some officials claimed. The initial assessments indicate that Iran retains much of its nuclear material and could potentially resume its program relatively quickly. Therefore, while the bombing had a significant impact, it did not achieve the complete destruction of Iran's nuclear infrastructure.
