U.S. airstrikes targeting Iran's nuclear installations failed to completely demolish them but delayed the country's weapons development program by several months, according to U.S. intelligence assessments reported by CNN and The New York Times.
Prior to the conflict, American intelligence estimated Iran could rush-build a nuclear weapon in approximately three months. Post-strike evaluations indicate this timeline has now extended to six months. U.S. officials noted that any immediate attempt by Iran to produce a warhead would likely result in a less sophisticated, rudimentary device.
Intelligence reports revealed varying degrees of damage at three nuclear sites—Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz—with Natanz sustaining the most significant impact. The attacks blocked entrances to two facilities and disrupted power systems at Fordow, though underground structures remained operational, sources clarified.
According to unnamed Israeli officials cited by the NYT, Iran had anticipated the strikes and preemptively relocated much of its nuclear fuel from major complexes to smaller, covert enrichment facilities.
White House spokesperson Caroline Leavitt acknowledged these assessments in a CNN interview but dismissed the leaked intelligence report as "a deliberate effort to undermine President Trump and discredit the skilled pilots who flawlessly executed the mission to dismantle Iran's nuclear capabilities."
President Donald Trump countered the reports on Truth Social, stating: "Fake news outlets CNN and the failing New York Times are collaborating to downplay one of history's most effective military operations. Iran's nuclear facilities have been totally obliterated! The public condemns both the Times and CNN!"
The U.S. conducted precision strikes on Iran's Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites during the early hours of June 22.