Fact Check: Trump claims U.S. obliterated three Iranian nuclear sites in historic strikes
What We Know
On June 21, 2025, President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. military, in coordination with Israel, had successfully conducted strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, "We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran" and emphasized that "Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated" (NPR, CBS News). Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed this sentiment, declaring that Iran's nuclear ambitions were "obliterated" by the strikes (Newsweek).
The strikes marked a significant escalation in U.S. military involvement in the region, with Trump asserting that the objective was to eliminate the threat posed by Iran's nuclear capabilities (Washington Post). Despite the claims of success, there were immediate concerns raised by some political figures regarding the legality and potential ramifications of the military action, particularly the lack of Congressional approval (NPR).
Analysis
The claim that the U.S. obliterated three Iranian nuclear sites is supported by multiple credible news sources, all reporting on the military strikes and the subsequent statements made by President Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth. The sources confirm that the strikes targeted key nuclear facilities, and Trump's assertion of their destruction is consistent across reports (Reuters, USA Today).
However, the term "obliterated" is subjective and lacks precise definition in a military context. While the strikes were reported as successful, the actual extent of damage to Iran's nuclear capabilities may not be fully known at this time. The Iranian government has vowed to continue its nuclear program despite the attacks, indicating that the long-term impact of the strikes is still uncertain (Washington Post, Reuters).
The credibility of the sources reporting on these events is generally high, as they include established news organizations with a history of accurate reporting. However, it is essential to consider potential biases, especially in the context of military actions, where narratives can be influenced by political agendas.
Conclusion
The claim that the U.S. obliterated three Iranian nuclear sites is True based on the available evidence. Multiple reputable sources confirm that the strikes targeted and reportedly destroyed key facilities associated with Iran's nuclear program. However, the long-term implications of these strikes and the actual state of Iran's nuclear capabilities remain to be fully assessed.
Sources
- U.S. strikes 3 nuclear sites in Iran
- Trump says key Iranian nuclear facilities 'totally obliterated' in U.S ...
- Trump says Iran's key nuclear sites 'obliterated' by US ...
- Trump says Iran's nuclear sites were 'obliterated.' Were they?
- Qui est Massad Boulos, ce libanais conseiller de TRUMP
- Trump: US Strikes 'Obliterated' Nuclear Fortress Fordow, Other Iran Sites
- U.S. launches strikes on 3 Iranian nuclear facilities, Trump ...
- Pourquoi ce chapeau de Melania Trump - JForum