Fact Check: "The United States has conducted military operations against Iranian nuclear sites."
What We Know
On June 22, 2025, the United States conducted military operations targeting three Iranian nuclear facilities: the Fordow Uranium Enrichment Plant, the Natanz Nuclear Facility, and the Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center. This operation involved the use of 14 GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator bombs, which are designed to penetrate deep underground facilities. According to reports, the strikes resulted in "extremely severe damage and destruction" to these sites, with the Natanz facility being completely destroyed and the others suffering major damage (Wikipedia source-1).
The U.S. Department of Defense characterized the operation as a significant success, claiming it set back Iran's nuclear capabilities by years (Defense.gov source-2). Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted that this operation was "the most complex and secretive military operation in history" and emphasized its effectiveness in achieving military objectives (Defense.gov source-3).
Analysis
The claim that the United States has conducted military operations against Iranian nuclear sites is supported by multiple credible sources. The operations were officially confirmed by the U.S. military, and the details surrounding the strikes have been reported extensively by reputable news organizations and government sources. The operation, codenamed "Midnight Hammer," involved a significant deployment of U.S. military assets, including 125 aircraft, and was executed with precision (BBC source-7).
However, the Iranian government has disputed the extent of the damage, claiming that the strikes caused only "superficial" damage and did not result in irreversible harm to their nuclear capabilities (Wikipedia source-1). This discrepancy highlights the potential for bias in reporting from both sides, as the Iranian government may downplay the impact of the strikes to maintain public morale and national pride.
The reliability of the sources reporting on this event is generally high, as they include official statements from the U.S. Department of Defense and coverage from established news organizations. However, the interpretation of the effectiveness of the strikes may vary, with some sources suggesting that while significant damage was inflicted, the long-term impact on Iran's nuclear ambitions may be limited (New York Times source-8).
Conclusion
The claim that the United States has conducted military operations against Iranian nuclear sites is True. The operations were confirmed by multiple credible sources, including the U.S. military and various news outlets. While there are conflicting reports regarding the extent of the damage and the implications for Iran's nuclear program, the fundamental fact of the military operations taking place is well-documented and supported by official statements.
Sources
- United States strikes on Iranian nuclear sites - Wikipedia
- 'Historically Successful' Strike on Iranian Nuclear Site Was 15 ...
- Hegseth, Caine Laud Success of U.S. Strike on Iran Nuke Sites
- Iran's Nuclear Facilities Have Been Obliterated
- How do we know if US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities ...
- This Week in DOD: Hammer Drops on Iranian Nuclear ...
- What we know about US strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites
- Strike Set Back Iran's Nuclear Program by Only a Few ...