Despite White House claims of “total annihilation,” leaked US intelligence shows Iran’s nuclear program suffered only a minor delay after recent bombings by Washington and Tel Aviv.

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In a stark contrast to the triumphant rhetoric from the White House, leaked intelligence reports reveal that the recent US-led airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities caused far less damage than publicly claimed.

According to confidential assessments cited by CNN, NBC News, and The New York Times, key sites at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan remain largely operational, with Iran maintaining control over almost all its nuclear material. This suggests Tehran could still rapidly resume its nuclear activities, including weapon development, if it chooses.

Satellite imagery and intelligence indicate that while surface structures suffered damage,particularly electrical infrastructure and some uranium conversion facilities,the core components, including centrifuges, remain mostly intact.

Crucially, much of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile had been relocated prior to the strikes, likely moved to secret underground sites. This strategic foresight by Iran minimized the impact of the bombings and preserved the essential elements of its nuclear program.

President Donald Trump initially declared the attacks a “total destruction” of Iran’s nuclear sites. However, early evaluations from both US and Israeli defense sources challenge this narrative. Israeli officials have reported that underground facilities at Fordo were not destroyed, further undermining claims of a decisive blow.

We wonder how many Americans lost their healthcare and homes to fund this pathetic circus. pic.twitter.com/6W56DqYWub

— Daily Iran Military (@IRIran_Military) June 24, 2025

The Pentagon, while maintaining that the operation was a “resounding success,” has acknowledged that the delay to Iran’s nuclear timeline is likely measured in months rather than years.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt dismissed the leaked intelligence as “completely wrong” and a politically motivated attempt to undermine President Trump’s credibility. She praised the airstrike mission as “impeccable” and insisted that the bombing achieved “total annihilation” of the nuclear program. This defensive posture reveals the administration’s sensitivity to the emerging intelligence that contradicts its public messaging.

LET @POTUS COOK 🔥

“President Trump just pulled the Middle East hat trick: Destroyed Iran’s nuke program, no quagmire, pathway to peace… Let him cook.” – @VP pic.twitter.com/6EyoaN1xrI

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 25, 2025

Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, condemned the US and Israeli attacks and assured that Tehran had prepared contingency plans to quickly restore operations at its nuclear sites. Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, including energy production and medical research, and vows to continue uranium enrichment despite external aggression.

This episode highlights the limits of military aggression as a tool for resolving international disputes, especially when faced with a determined sovereign nation like Iran. The leaked intelligence underscores the resilience of Iran’s nuclear program and the failure of imperialist strategies to impose lasting setbacks.

These developments reaffirm the necessity of diplomatic dialogue and respect for national sovereignty over unilateral military interventions.

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