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Following a night-long US-led airstrike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, US President Donald Trump claimed that “Operation Midnight Hammer” was a success, asserting that Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities were “completely and totally destroyed.” However, initial assessments by US and Israeli military officials contradict this claim.
According to the Israeli military’s preliminary analysis, Iran’s heavily fortified Fordow nuclear facility was severely damaged in the US airstrike but not completely destroyed. Two Israeli officials said they believe Iran likely removed uranium and equipment from the site prior to the attack. A senior US official echoed this, stating that while Fordow was not destroyed, it was extensively damaged and rendered inoperable. The official noted that even a dozen bunker-buster bombs could not have completely destroyed the facility.
The strike targeted three Iranian nuclear sites, including Fordow, using 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs. Pentagon senior officials aligned with Trump’s success claim but emphasized that a final assessment would take more time. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Flynn stated that all three sites sustained “severe damage and destruction,” but it remains unclear if Iran’s nuclear capabilities were fully eliminated.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said they are assessing the extent of the damage. Satellite imagery confirmed craters and debris at Fordow, indicating significant impact. Israeli analysts suspect Iran preemptively removed critical assets. Maxar Technologies’ images showed 16 cargo trucks near Fordow’s entrance, suggesting preparations for the attack.
Former CIA official Mick Mulroy stated that the strikes could set Iran’s nuclear program back by two to five years. A comprehensive damage assessment is expected in the coming days.
AI/MR
