“Iran’s weapons-grade nuclear facilities have been set back by several years due to U.S. military strikes” – CIA

“Iran’s weapons-grade nuclear facilities have been set back by several years due to U.S. military strikes” – CIA
[Washington, June 26, 2025]

The Director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), John Ratcliffe, has stated that Iran’s nuclear facilities suffered “severe damage” from the recent American military operations, and that Iran’s nuclear program has been “set back by several years.”

Ratcliffe said,

“Our strikes destroyed key Iranian nuclear installations, which will delay the progress of their program for many years.”
However, he also clarified that he is not yet prepared to declare Iran’s nuclear program entirely dismantled.

Meanwhile, an initial leaked assessment from a Pentagon intelligence unit claims that despite the bombings, some core components of Iran’s nuclear program remain intact. The report cautions that Iran may be able to rebuild its program relatively quickly.

In contrast, U.S. President Donald Trump has taken a much stronger stance on the matter, declaring:

“Iran’s nuclear facilities have been completely obliterated in this operation.”

Analysts believe the differing assessments between the CIA and Pentagon, alongside President Trump’s assertive position, will play a crucial role in shaping post-war diplomatic and military strategies.

Following the strikes, Iran has issued threats of retaliation and lodged strong protests at the United Nations, although it has yet to respond with full-scale military action. International experts warn that this attack could heighten long-term instability in the Middle East.