US Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites Spark Controversy
Over the weekend, the United States launched precision strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan using powerful "bunker buster" bombs designed to penetrate deep underground. The attacks marked a significant escalation in the ongoing shadow conflict between Israel and Iran, with the US opening a new front by directly targeting Tehran’s nuclear program.
Trump Defends Military Operation Amid Contradictory Reports
President Donald Trump fiercely rejected media reports that questioned the strike’s effectiveness. He called the assessments “fake news” and defended the operation as one of the most successful military strikes in history, asserting that Iran’s nuclear capabilities had been completely destroyed. On his social platform, Trump criticized major news outlets for attempting to undermine the mission’s success.
The Intelligence Assessment and Its Fallout
Contrary to Trump’s claims, a recent intelligence evaluation suggested the strikes only delayed Iran’s nuclear program by a few months, rather than eliminating it entirely. Sources familiar with the Defense Intelligence Agency’s findings indicated that while entrances to some nuclear facilities were sealed off, underground infrastructure and centrifuges remained largely intact.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the authenticity of the leaked assessment but dismissed it as "flat-out wrong", condemning the leak as an effort to discredit the president and undermine the pilots’ mission. She emphasized the strike involved dropping fourteen 30,000-pound bombs precisely on their targets, resulting in substantial, if not total, destruction.
Israel’s Stand and Regional Impact
Following 12 days of intense exchange, Israel and Iran agreed to a ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the period as a “historic victory,” vowing to prevent any resurgence of Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He stressed that any attempt to rebuild nuclear facilities would be met with resolute action.
Meanwhile, Iran indicated willingness to return to negotiations over its nuclear program, but reaffirmed its commitment to its right to peaceful atomic energy under international law.
The Broader Conflict: A Closer Look
- More than 610 civilians reportedly lost their lives due to Israeli strikes during the 12-day conflict.
- Israeli attacks targeted nuclear sites, military installations, and residential zones, prompting retaliatory missile fire from Iran.
- The conflict escalated with US airstrikes, followed by an Iranian reprisal against the largest US military base in the Middle East.
This exchange represents the most destructive flare-up in the decades-long Iran-Israel shadow war.
What Lies Ahead?
Though a ceasefire is in place, the situation remains tense and fluid. Both sides appear committed to their strategic objectives, with Iran asserting its nuclear rights and Israel determined to prevent any future nuclear development. The precision and impact of US military involvement continue to be debated amid conflicting narratives.
As the dust settles, the international community watches closely, weighing the implications for regional stability and the future of nuclear diplomacy.
