Fact Check: "Trump's strikes on Iran were initially claimed to 'obliterate' its nuclear program."
What We Know
In June 2025, the United States conducted military strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities, which President Trump and various officials characterized as having "obliterated" Iran's nuclear capabilities. Trump stated, “Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran... Obliteration is an accurate term!” (source-1). The Israeli Atomic Energy Commission also claimed that the strikes rendered the Fordo facility inoperable, asserting that Iran's ability to develop nuclear weapons was set back by years (source-1).
However, the damage assessment from various intelligence sources was mixed. A leaked Defense Intelligence Agency document suggested that damage to one site might have been minimal, while the CIA reported that Iran's overall nuclear program had been "severely damaged" (source-2). Additionally, a report from the Associated Press indicated that the strikes only set back Iran's nuclear program by a few months, not obliterating it entirely (source-3).
Analysis
The claims made by Trump and his administration regarding the obliteration of Iran's nuclear program reflect a strong narrative of military success. Statements from various officials, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, emphasized the effectiveness of the strikes, asserting that significant damage was inflicted on key facilities (source-1).
However, the reliability of these claims is complicated by the mixed assessments from intelligence agencies. While some sources, like the Israeli Atomic Energy Commission, supported the idea of severe damage, others, including the CIA, acknowledged that the strikes did not completely eliminate Iran's nuclear capabilities (source-2). The Associated Press report further suggests that the damage was not as catastrophic as claimed, indicating a more nuanced reality where the program was set back but not obliterated (source-3).
The sources supporting the claim of obliteration largely come from officials with vested interests in portraying the strikes as successful, which raises questions about potential bias. In contrast, independent assessments from intelligence agencies provide a more cautious perspective, suggesting that while damage was done, the nuclear program remained intact to some extent.
Conclusion
The claim that Trump's strikes on Iran "obliterated" its nuclear program is Partially True. While there is consensus that significant damage was inflicted on Iran's nuclear facilities, the extent of that damage is disputed. Official statements from the Trump administration and allied sources assert a narrative of complete destruction, but independent assessments indicate that the program was likely only set back temporarily. Thus, the term "obliteration" may be an exaggeration of the actual impact of the strikes.
Sources
- Iran’s Nuclear Facilities Have Been Obliterated
- Obliterated? Damaged? Inoperable? What's known about Iran's nuclear facilities
- US strikes only set back Iran's nuclear program by months, not “completely obliterated”
- Defense Secretary claims strikes “obliterated Iran's ability to create nuclear weapons”
- The administration is struggling to back up Trump’s bold claims
