A day after the ceasefire between Israel and Iran, striking revelations have emerged from a preliminary U.S. intelligence assessment regarding the recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. The report suggests that the strikes did not destroy Iran’s nuclear capability but merely set it back by a few months.
The ceasefire, declared after 12 days of intense conflict, has provided much-needed relief globally. The escalation had sparked fears of broader international tensions, especially after the United States joined the conflict with ‘Operation Midnight Hammer’—a series of bombings targeting three Iranian nuclear sites.
Contrary to U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims of “total destruction,” a classified U.S. intelligence assessment indicates that the American strikes only delayed Iran’s nuclear programme by several months. The preliminary report by the Defense Intelligence Agency further noted that the bombings sealed off access to certain facilities but failed to destroy the underground structures.
Satellite images from Maxar Technologies confirm damage to Iranian nuclear facilities, as well as buildings near an airport and a university, following the U.S. airstrikes.
Acting U.S. envoy to the United Nations, Dorothy Shea, told the UN Security Council that the strikes had degraded Iran’s capacity to produce a nuclear weapon.
Just hours after President Trump brokered the ceasefire, the Israeli military reported intercepting two drones “most likely from Iran” en route to Israeli territory.
Donald Trump had earlier announced that Iran and Israel agreed to a staggered ceasefire, calling it an “official end” to the conflict.
Following the truce, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a “historic victory,” but emphasized the need to continue efforts against Iran’s regional allies, defeat Hamas, and secure the return of Israeli hostages.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also declared victory, saying his country had successfully ended the conflict and calling it a “great victory.”
Meanwhile, Iran announced the execution of three men accused of spying for Israel and the arrest of around 700 individuals shortly after the ceasefire was enacted.
Although the ceasefire has brought temporary calm, tensions remain high, and the world is watching closely to see whether