File photo

 

A new US assessment reveals that a recent military operation against Iran's nuclear facilities succeeded in significantly damaging just one of three targeted sites. The assessment shows that the Fordo site suffered significant destruction, but the facilities at Natanz and Isfahan suffered significantly less damage.

 

These sites could potentially resume nuclear enrichment within months if Iran chooses to do so, according to US officials.

 

This analysis comes as part of ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to evaluate the impact of the strikes on Iran’s nuclear capabilities. US Central Command had considered a more extensive attack plan that would have involved hitting additional sites over several weeks. However, President Trump opted against such an effort due to his policy of avoiding deeper international conflicts and concerns over potential casualties.

 

Despite the challenges, Trump had lauded the strikes as a "spectacular military success," claiming Iran’s nuclear capabilities were obliterated. However, intelligence reports suggest the reality is more nuanced, with only the Fordo site severely impacted. This situation has sparked discussions within the US and Israeli governments about whether further strikes on the less-damaged sites might be needed if Iran attempts to rebuild its program.

 

The Pentagon and the White House maintain that the strikes were effective. Fordo was considered a major target due to its crucial role in Iran's nuclear ambitions. The use of advanced weaponry like the GBU-57 "bunker buster" bomb was tailored to penetrate Fordo’s fortified structure. However, Natanz and Isfahan may possess tunnels beyond the reach of these bombs, complicating the complete destruction of their facilities.

 

Moreover, the assessment revealed that some enriched uranium at Isfahan and Fordo remains inaccessible but buried, potentially hindering Iran's enrichment activities. The Israeli government also believes the material is out of reach and would lead to further strikes if Iran tried to access it. Both US and Israeli officials agree that the strikes have deterred Iran from advancing its nuclear agenda, reinforcing the threat of more airstrikes if necessary.

 

The Biden administration initially developed plans to implement a broader strike with the aim of incapacitating Iran's nuclear potential. However, this option was ultimately dismissed due to the prolonged conflict it would entail and anticipated Iranian retaliation against US interests.

 

Since pulling out of the 2015 nuclear agreement, the Trump administration has sought a new accord to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Indirect talks with Iran have stalled, complicating efforts to reach a diplomatic resolution. Meanwhile, Iran continues to deny any intentions of developing nuclear weapons, maintaining that its program is purely for civilian purposes.

 

As the situation evolves, US officials continue to monitor Iran's nuclear activities closely. The decision about future military action remains contingent on Iran’s next steps and its willingness to negotiate over its nuclear program.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from NBC News 2025-07-19

 

 

It amazes me how AN manages to get news that no other organisation on the planet seems to be privy to. 

2 minutes ago, boloaf said:

It amazes me how AN manages to get news that no other organisation on the planet seems to be privy to. 

 

Fordow (not Fordo) was the one the US wanted taken out and the one Trump was talking about when he said "totally obliterated" which of course triggered all of the Orange Man bad contributors on here. Significant destruction or "totally obliterated" is a matter of semantics. 

No worries.

please go do it all again. 

Whether these claims are true or false ,

this is just to give Israel a reason to go bombing again.

2 hours ago, boloaf said:

It amazes me how AN manages to get news that no other organisation on the planet seems to be privy to. 

This is way off from what I read earlier today.  What I read is that all 3 sites were destroyed to where it will take years to get up and running.  Plus two other sites were also badly destroyed.  I believe what I read over anything posted here.  Who are the US Government official saying, " These sites could potentially resume nuclear enrichment within months if Iran chooses to do so, according to US officials."

I think some posters have no idea of how serious it is,  with the likes of Iran having 

nuclear weapons.

It will be a bit to late, to do anything,  if one of these nuclear missiles is heading

to one of your countries,  major cities.

Doomsday religious nuts incharge,  may well do this.

Shouting  Allahu Akbar,  as they kill us all,  and there own. 

 

Post in breach of "fair use" has been removed.

4 hours ago, quake said:

I think some posters have no idea of how serious it is,  with the likes of Iran having 

nuclear weapons.

It will be a bit to late, to do anything,  if one of these nuclear missiles is heading

to one of your countries,  major cities.

Doomsday religious nuts incharge,  may well do this.

Shouting  Allahu Akbar,  as they kill us all,  and there own. 

Yes, if you belong to an insane death cult, the doctrine of nuclear deterrence through ‘Mutually Assured Destruction’ no longer applies. I don’t think the current Iranian government, evil as it is, qualifies as that yet, but given the nature of the terrorist organisations they sponsor, it’s a worry.

High time for Iran's allies to sell them some nukes.

No more talk of enriching uranium , no more bombing nuclear sites.

And a deterrent for further attacks .

Iran has the right to defend itself , like any other country.

 

“Obliterated” 

 

To destroy completely, so that nothing is left.

 

To remove all traces of something.

 

To wipe out or defeat decisively.

 

It conveys total destruction, erasure, or overwhelming defeat.

The US/Israel bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities has the opposite effect. It has ignite Iran’s determination to have nuclear deterrence. Iran is threatening to pull out if the NPT which will be a serious escalation as they will not be monitored by IEAE.
 

Trump has made the situation worse off twice. Pulling out of the JCPOA was his first mistake and the bombing has created more distrust and fuelled Iran need for deterrence.