Fact Check: "Trump claims Iran's nuclear program is 'completely and fully obliterated.'"
What We Know
On June 21, 2025, following a U.S. military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, President Donald Trump asserted that Iran's nuclear program had been "completely and totally obliterated" (source-3). This claim was echoed by various officials, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who stated that the strikes had caused significant damage to Iran's nuclear capabilities (source-1). Reports indicated that the strikes targeted key facilities, including those at Natanz, Fordow, and Esfahan, and that the damage was substantial enough to set back Iran's nuclear program by years (source-1).
However, experts have cautioned that the term "obliterated" may be an exaggeration. Initial assessments from military officials, including Gen. Dan Caine, indicated that while the damage was severe, it would take time to fully understand the extent of the destruction (source-3). Additionally, some Israeli military officials described the sites as "severely damaged" but not entirely destroyed (source-3).
Analysis
The claim that Iran's nuclear program has been "completely and fully obliterated" is supported by a number of statements from U.S. officials and intelligence assessments, which suggest that the strikes inflicted significant damage on Iran's nuclear capabilities (source-1). For instance, CIA Director Ratcliffe confirmed that credible intelligence indicated severe damage to key facilities (source-1).
However, the reliability of these assessments is mixed. While many officials express confidence in the damage done, the term "obliterated" is contested. Experts from various think tanks and military backgrounds have pointed out that it is premature to declare the facilities completely destroyed, as comprehensive damage assessments take time and are complicated by the underground nature of the sites (source-3). Furthermore, reports indicate that some facilities may still be operational or could be rebuilt over time (source-5).
The sources supporting Trump's claim largely come from government officials and military experts, which may introduce a bias towards portraying the strikes as a success. Conversely, independent analyses and expert opinions suggest a more cautious interpretation of the damage, indicating that while significant, the facilities are not entirely incapacitated (source-5).
Conclusion
The claim that Iran's nuclear program is "completely and fully obliterated" is Partially True. While there is substantial evidence that the U.S. strikes caused significant damage to Iran's nuclear facilities, the assertion of complete destruction is not universally supported by military assessments and expert analysis. Many sources indicate that while the program has been severely impacted, it has not been entirely eradicated, and rebuilding efforts could occur over time.
