Fact Check: U.S. airstrikes only set back Iran's nuclear program by months, not destroyed it.

Fact Check: "U.S. airstrikes only set back Iran's nuclear program by months, not destroyed it."

What We Know

Recent reports from U.S. intelligence agencies indicate that the airstrikes conducted against Iran's nuclear facilities on June 23, 2025, did not obliterate the program as claimed by President Donald Trump and other officials. According to an early assessment from the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), the strikes primarily set back Iran's nuclear program by only a few months, rather than years, and did not completely destroy the core components of the facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan (AP News, Washington Post).

The DIA's report noted that while significant damage was inflicted, some of Iran's centrifuges remained intact, and a portion of its highly enriched uranium was moved out of the targeted sites prior to the strikes (Reuters, BBC). The assessment was characterized as "low confidence," suggesting that the conclusions drawn may be subject to change as more information becomes available (CNN).

Analysis

The claim that U.S. airstrikes only set back Iran's nuclear program by months is supported by multiple credible sources, including intelligence assessments from the DIA and reports from major news outlets. The DIA's report specifically contradicts the more optimistic claims made by Trump and his administration, which suggested a total destruction of Iran's nuclear capabilities (AP News, New York Times).

Critically, the sources reporting on the DIA's findings are reputable and include established news organizations such as the Associated Press, Reuters, and the Washington Post. These outlets have a history of rigorous fact-checking and journalistic integrity, lending credibility to their coverage of the intelligence report. Furthermore, the DIA's characterization of its own assessment as "low confidence" indicates an awareness of the potential for error, which is a standard practice in intelligence reporting (Washington Post, CNN).

In contrast, the statements from Trump and other officials appear to be politically motivated, aiming to project a narrative of success in military operations. The White House's dismissal of the DIA report as "flat-out wrong" raises questions about the reliability of their claims, particularly given the lack of supporting evidence provided to counter the intelligence assessment (Reuters).

Conclusion

The claim that U.S. airstrikes only set back Iran's nuclear program by months, rather than destroying it, is True. The evidence from U.S. intelligence assessments and corroborating news reports consistently supports this conclusion, while contrasting statements from political figures lack substantiated evidence. The DIA's assessment provides a clear indication that, despite the damage inflicted, Iran retains the capability to continue its nuclear program.

Fact Check: U.S. airstrikes only set back Iran's nuclear program by months, not destroyed it.