Trump Asserts Israel Verified Total Destruction at Iran's Fordow Facility
In a striking assertion made during the NATO summit in The Hague, former US President Donald Trump declared that Israeli operatives inspected Iran's Fordow nuclear site following recent American airstrikes and reported it was "totally obliterated." He cautioned that further actions could be imminent if Iran resumes uranium enrichment activities.
Inspection Reveals Extensive Damage
Trump emphasized that Israeli agents conducted on-site assessments shortly after the strikes. "They have guys who go in after the strike, and they said it was total obliteration," he remarked. He further suggested that Iran had insufficient time to relocate or secure materials from the facility prior to the attack, amplifying the strikes' effectiveness.
Comparisons to Historical Nuclear Impacts
Drawing a provocative parallel, Trump likened the attacks’ impact to the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, stating both were decisive in halting conflicts. This analogy highlights the gravity with which he viewed the recent operations against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Contradictions With International Reports
Although international agencies reported uncertainties about the whereabouts of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, Trump dismissed concerns raised by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Notably, the IAEA had flagged that approximately 400 kilograms of 60 percent enriched uranium was unaccounted for. Earlier, US Vice President Jake Delaney acknowledged ambiguity surrounding the enriched uranium’s status and indicated ongoing diplomatic discussions with Iranian officials.
Confirmation from US Intelligence
Further bolstering Trump’s claims, CIA Director Michael Ratcliffe confirmed that the Fordow site suffered significant damage, likely requiring years to rebuild. "Several key nuclear facilities were destroyed," Ratcliffe stated, referring to intelligence assessments.
Prospects for US-Iran Dialogue
Trump hinted at a potential meeting with Iranian representatives in the coming week aimed at discussing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. "We may sign an agreement, or we may not," he said, underscoring his flexibility toward the outcome. This potential engagement signals a nuanced approach amidst escalating tensions.
Uncertainty Over Israel-Iran Ceasefire Durability
Although Trump had previously declared that the ceasefire between Israel and Iran would endure "forever," he expressed doubts about its permanence during the summit. "They’re both tired… but could it start again? Maybe. Maybe soon," he admitted, acknowledging the fragile state of regional peace.
Shifting Narratives from US Officials
Adding to the evolving discourse, Pete Hegseth, an adviser accompanying Trump, moderated earlier statements claiming Iran’s nuclear capabilities had been "obliterated." This suggests ongoing reassessments within US circles about the extent of damage inflicted.
The unfolding situation around Iran's nuclear program remains volatile, with recent strikes and diplomatic efforts underscoring the high stakes involved in preventing nuclear proliferation in the region.