The Director of the CIA, John Ratcliffe, has confirmed that U.S. airstrikes caused severe damage to Iran’s nuclear facilities, pushing back its nuclear capabilities by several years. His remarks contrast with an earlier leaked Pentagon intelligence report that suggested the impact was limited—an assessment that drew public criticism from President Donald Trump.

Conflicting Assessments

Ratcliffe stated that “several key Iranian nuclear facilities were destroyed” and would need to be completely rebuilt, citing new intelligence from a “historically reliable source.” While he did not claim the nuclear program had been fully eliminated, he emphasized the long-term setback caused by the attacks.

This statement counters the leaked preliminary report from the Pentagon’s Defense Intelligence Agency, which had estimated Iran’s program would be delayed by only a few months. The DIA report, said to be based on early and low-confidence assessments, triggered frustration in the White House.

Trump’s Reaction

President Trump publicly dismissed the leaked report, accusing the media of spreading false information. On social media, he insisted the facilities were “obliterated” and announced an upcoming press conference led by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to present what he called “irrefutable evidence” supporting the effectiveness of the strikes.

Speaking at a NATO summit in The Hague, Trump reiterated that the operation had been “very severe” and hinted at potential talks with Iran next week to secure a commitment to end its nuclear pursuits—though Iran has not confirmed any such plans.

Details of the Operation

The U.S. strike, conducted over the weekend, involved 125 military aircraft and targeted Iran’s three main nuclear sites: Natanz, Fordo, and Isfahan. Satellite images have since revealed craters at these locations, including near suspected underground access points at Fordo and Isfahan. However, the extent of the destruction deep underground remains uncertain.

Some experts suggest the damage is significant. An Israeli Atomic Energy Commission report claims the Fordo facility’s core infrastructure was destroyed and that the strikes have delayed Iran’s nuclear timeline by “many years.”

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard echoed these conclusions, stating that the facilities would need to be entirely rebuilt if Iran chooses to restart its nuclear work.

Iranian and International Responses

Iran has offered mixed signals. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei admitted to Al Jazeera that the facilities were “badly damaged” but gave no specifics. In contrast, an adviser to Iran’s parliamentary speaker claimed that no “irreversible damage” had occurred.

UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi added further uncertainty, suggesting that Iran may have relocated much of its enriched uranium stockpile before the attacks.

Outlook

The ceasefire between Israel and Iran, brokered by the U.S. and Qatar, remains fragile. While direct communication between Washington and Tehran has reportedly occurred, there is no formal agreement on future talks.

Iran continues to insist its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. However, the scale of damage from the recent strikes—and the conflicting narratives around it—has reignited debate over the true extent of Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the long-term impact of the U.S. operation.