Fact Check: Trump Claims U.S. Obliterated Three Key Iranian Nuclear Sites
What We Know
On June 21, 2025, President Donald Trump announced that U.S. military strikes had targeted three key Iranian nuclear sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. He claimed that these sites were "completely and fully obliterated" as a result of the strikes, which involved advanced military assets including B-2 bombers and fighter jets (source-1, source-4). The strikes were part of a broader military engagement in the context of ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, particularly regarding Iran's nuclear program.
Satellite imagery prior to the strikes indicated "unusual truck and vehicular activity" at the Fordow facility, suggesting that preparations were underway at the site (source-1). Following the attacks, Iran's National Center for Nuclear Safety reported no signs of contamination or increased radiation levels at the sites, indicating that the strikes may not have caused the extensive damage claimed by Trump (source-1).
Analysis
While Trump's assertion that the U.S. military struck three key Iranian nuclear sites is accurate, the claim that these sites were "obliterated" lacks independent verification. Reports from various news outlets confirm that the U.S. did conduct strikes on the specified sites, but there has been no independent assessment of the damage caused (source-2, source-4).
The credibility of the sources reporting on the strikes varies. Major news organizations like The Washington Post and Reuters are generally reliable, but they also rely on official statements from the U.S. government and military, which may be biased in favor of portraying the strikes as successful. Moreover, Iranian officials have condemned the strikes, asserting that they are a violation of international law and warning of "everlasting consequences" (source-4). This context suggests that the situation is highly charged and that claims from both sides should be viewed critically.
Conclusion
The claim that the U.S. obliterated three key Iranian nuclear sites is Partially True. While it is confirmed that U.S. military strikes targeted these sites, the assertion that they were completely destroyed is not substantiated by independent evidence. Reports indicate that there was no immediate increase in radiation levels or contamination following the strikes, which suggests that the extent of the damage may not align with Trump's characterization.
Sources
- Israel-Iran live updates: Trump says U.S. strikes on Iran 'totally ...
- Trump says Iran's key nuclear sites 'obliterated' by US ...
- Live Updates: Trump Claims Success After Bombing Key Iran Nuclear Sites
- US inserts itself into Israel's war with Iran, strikes 3 Iranian ...
- Trump says Iran's key nuclear sites 'completely and fully obliterated ...
- Trump Says Iran Nuclear Facilities Obliterated, Warns of ... - Newsweek
- U.S. launches strikes on 3 Iranian nuclear facilities, Trump ...