US Airstrikes Set Back Iran's Nuclear Program by Months, Not Eliminated, Early Assessment Shows

Washington D.C. – An initial damage assessment by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency indicates that recent American airstrikes on Iranian nuclear enrichment facilities have set back the country's nuclear program by an estimated three to six months, according to sources familiar with the report. This early assessment suggests the strikes were less impactful than initially indicated. The U.S. military conducted operations targeting sites such as Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. Satellite imagery, sourced from Maxar Technologies, shows visible damage to these facilities. However, the preliminary analysis suggests that while the strikes caused disruption, they did not eliminate Iran's nuclear capabilities. NBC News correspondent Courtney Kube reported that this assessment is very early, having been compiled within hours of the strikes. Kube added that follow-on assessments are expected, and it is possible that future evaluations might even conclude the strikes were less successful, potentially reducing the estimated setback period for Iran's nuclear program.