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Final Conclusion

Pentagon: Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Facilities Set Back Program by Up to Two Years

Pentagon spokesman says strikes on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan caused significant setbacks, closer to two years than one.

US Pentagon in Washington DC building looking down aerial view from above background
US Pentagon in Washington DC building looking down aerial view from above
US Pentagon in Washington DC building looking down aerial view from above (Photo: Shutterstcok / Ivan Cholakov)

The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed Wednesday that coordinated strikes by American and Israeli forces on Iran's nuclear infrastructure have set the country’s nuclear weapons program back by one to two years. Pentagon spokesman emphasized that internal assessments suggest the impact is "closer to two years," citing damage inflicted on the key facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

Despite earlier media reports, particularly from CNN and The New York Times, suggesting only minor delays, the Pentagon reinforced its position that the targets were significantly disrupted.

President Trump, speaking shortly after the attack, claimed that Iran’s nuclear efforts were "completely destroyed." However, U.S. Joint Chiefs Chairman General Mark Kane later offered a more cautious appraisal, acknowledging heavy damage but noting it was "too soon to definitively assess" the full extent.

Israel’s Atomic Energy Commission echoed the Pentagon’s conclusion last week, estimating a substantial setback. But some Israeli sources contend the delay is closer to two years and suggest damage at Fordow may have been less severe than initially believed.

Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, have slowed public acknowledgment of the scale of the damage.

A delay of one to two years could buy critical time for international diplomatic efforts or further deterrence measures.

The differing assessments between U.S. intelligence, Israeli officials, and media outlets reveal ongoing debates over how quickly Iran could resume nuclear development.

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