Leaked US report says US strikes on Iran did little damage
Recent US strikes on Iran, part of the “Operation Midnight Hammer” campaign alongside Israel, hit Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities. While President Trump hailed it a success, a leaked US report from the US Defence Intelligence Agency counters that, saying the attacks only set Iran’s programme back by a few months. Iran’s enriched uranium and centrifuges reportedly remain largely intact, having been moved underground or to alternative sites.
Commercial satellite imagery shows significant damage at the underground Fordow, but experts caution that the real impact is still unclear. IAEA head Rafael Grossi described the damage as “very significant”, yet remains unable to verify the extent.
Read a WTX News report on the US attack on Iran
🔁 Reactions:
- Government (US Defence Intelligence Agency): “Damage is temporary, reset could be reversed in months.”
- Opposition (IAEA’s Rafael Grossi): “The damage is deep, but we lack inspection access to confirm full effects.”
- Viral/Public (nuclear non-proliferation expert): > “These strikes may set Iran back, but they also risk pushing it underground, away from scrutiny.”
📰 Bias Snapshot:
- Reuters/AP/Guardian focus on balanced, fact-based assessment of the military action, expert analysis, and counterclaims to Trump’s rhetoric (reuters.com, reuters.com).
- Time/The Atlantic critiques the strategy, arguing it may backfire by weakening diplomatic avenues and lending momentum to Iran’s nuclear ambitions (theatlantic.com).
- Fox News/New York Post amplify Trump’s claims of total success, downplaying intelligence reports that contradict them (theguardian.com).
📊 Sentiment: Neutral–negative. While the strikes inflicted real damage, intelligence suggests the effect may be reversible—and may even hasten Iran’s quest for autonomy in its nuclear capabilities.
