Newly leaked intelligence casts fresh doubt on White House claims that the U.S. bombing of Iran’s nuclear sites devastated Tehran’s ability to advance its atomic program. Sources say Iran managed to protect most of its enriched uranium before the raids began.
President Trump had hailed Operation Midnight Hammer as dealing a fatal blow to Iran’s nuclear ambitions. But multiple officials confirm that not only did key facilities survive, Iran’s uranium reserves remained largely untouched, challenging the administration’s public narrative.
How did Iran’s uranium survive the U.S. bombing campaign?
Insiders report that Iranian operatives relocated large amounts of enriched uranium from Natanz and Isfahan before the attacks started. Satellite data and UN inspectors noted heavy truck movements out of nuclear complexes days before strike orders were given.
The Fordow site was hit hardest, sustaining the most severe damage. However, the bulk of Iran’s nuclear material had already been stored elsewhere, blunting the effect of even the most advanced bunker-buster bombs. At Natanz and Isfahan, entrances were damaged, but underground vaults remained intact.
Did you know?
In 2019, Iran’s main enrichment facilities at Natanz and Fordow were publicly revealed to have heavily fortified underground complexes specifically designed to resist air and missile strikes.
Can leaked intelligence shift the White House narrative on Operation Midnight Hammer?
Trump, joined by Vice President JD Vance and top cabinet officials, repeatedly insisted that Iran’s nuclear capacity had been “obliterated.” Yet internal Pentagon assessments told a far more cautious story. Staff briefings described only temporary setbacks at two sites and warned enriched uranium had gone unscathed.
Contradicting public statements, these classified findings have now reignited debate in Washington, as lawmakers demand accountability for the mission’s real impact. Intelligence officials expect the assessment process to stretch for months, with evolving answers as more evidence emerges.
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Classified reports dispute claims of nuclear destruction
According to those familiar with the situation, the “kingdom come” language used in public did not match what top planners knew privately. Fordow might be out of commission for up to two years, but Natanz and Isfahan are expected to resume enrichment activities in months. Iran’s stockpile, the lifeblood of its program, was never destroyed at any point.
International monitors from the IAEA confirmed that some uranium was transferred offsite in advance. An Israeli official told reporters Iran can still access significant enrichment resources, which survived the strikes.
Iran’s enrichment facilities set for rapid recovery amid controversy
Defense officials admit Iran’s rapid pre-strike preparations and the deeply buried nature of its facilities were underestimated. The bombings closed entrances but failed to crush the fortified chambers below ground, leaving options open for Iran to pick up where it left off with minimal delay.
This unfolding controversy illustrates the need for credible intelligence and clear communication. As more classified details come to light, the true extent of Iran’s nuclear capabilities and America’s ability to counter them remains fiercely contested.
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