Intelligence Report Contradicts Trump's Claim on Iran Nuclear Program Strikes

WASHINGTON D.C. – A recent intelligence assessment suggests that U.S. military strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, ordered by President Donald Trump, have only temporarily hindered the country's nuclear program, setting it back by mere months. This finding stands in contrast to earlier statements from President Trump and Defense Secretary Hexeath, who had asserted that Iran's nuclear capabilities were "obliterated." According to Luis Martinez, ABC News Senior Pentagon Reporter, the initial assessment, produced by U.S. Central Command and the Defense Intelligence Agency, indicates that while three targeted nuclear facilities sustained significant damage, Iran's existing enriched uranium and centrifuges remain largely intact. "It only set back the nuclear program by several months, and that Iran's enriched uranium, what they had already produced prior to those attacks this weekend, remains untouched," Martinez stated. Defense Secretary Hexeath had previously released a statement claiming, "Based on everything we've seen and, quote, I've seen it all, our bombing campaign obliterated Iran's ability to carry to create nuclear weapons." However, the new intelligence assessment appears to be at odds with this characterization, suggesting a less decisive impact on Iran's nuclear ambitions.