Asger Risom
The Trump administration insists that recent strikes on Iranian nuclear sites dealt a heavy blow. But leaked intel and unclear oversight raise questions about their true effectiveness.
Trump administration officials insist that the strikes dealt a major blow to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed “credible information” indicates that several critical facilities were destroyed, with reconstruction expected to take years.
The White House has rejected speculation that Iran relocated enriched uranium ahead of recent U.S. and Israeli airstrikes, defending the operation’s effectiveness despite leaked intelligence suggesting limited long-term impact, as reported by Digi24.
Disputed impact on Iran’s nuclear program
Concerns were raised after a leaked U.S. intelligence report suggested Tehran may have evacuated 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%, just below weapons-grade, before the strikes.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt pushed back, stating on Fox News, “We’ve seen no indication the uranium was moved.”
She added that the targeted sites are now “buried under kilometers of rubble.”
Iran’s government admitted Wednesday that its facilities had been “considerably affected” by the strikes, which took place amid a 12-day conflict and reportedly included Israeli bombardments.
International oversight and political fallout
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which has limited visibility into Iran’s program due to suspended cooperation, said it cannot confirm the material’s current location. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi clarified, “I don’t want to give the impression it’s lost or hidden.”
The leaked report contradicted President Trump’s repeated claims of a complete neutralization of Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Angered by the disclosure, Trump scheduled a press conference with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to “defend the honor” of American pilots.
Israel launched the June 13 airstrikes citing evidence Iran was attempting to build nuclear weapons — a claim Tehran denies, asserting its program is for civilian use. Iran responded with missile fire.
A fragile ceasefire, brokered by Trump, has been in place since Tuesday.
