WASHINGTON / TEHRAN – June 26, 2025 — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that recent American airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities were “historically successful,” citing extensive damage to Tehran’s enrichment infrastructure. The statement followed conflicting claims from Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who downplayed the strikes’ effectiveness and asserted Iran delivered a retaliatory “heavy slap” by targeting a U.S. base in Qatar.
In a detailed Pentagon briefing, Hegseth cited intelligence and satellite imagery showing significant structural damage at the Fordo nuclear site, claiming Iran’s nuclear progress was “obliterated.” General Dan Caine of the Joint Chiefs of Staff elaborated on the strikes, describing precision bunker-busting bombs targeting Fordo’s ventilation shafts. Pilots reportedly witnessed one of the brightest explosions of their careers.
However, the lack of post-strike inspection access leaves uncertainty about whether Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile or core centrifuges were destroyed. A leaked preliminary intelligence report earlier this week suggested portions of Iran’s nuclear capabilities may remain intact—fueling public debate in the U.S.
Ayatollah Khamenei, speaking in a pre-recorded video, claimed the U.S. “failed to achieve anything significant” and dismissed the strikes as symbolic. The Iranian leader has not appeared in public since before the strikes and is rumored to be operating from a secure location due to heightened threats.
Adding to tensions, Iran’s parliament and Guardian Council approved legislation terminating cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), effectively barring inspectors from accessing nuclear sites. The IAEA has not yet received formal notification of this decision.
Meanwhile, the U.S. released annotated images detailing the Fordo strike operation. Each of the site’s ventilation shafts was struck with six bunker-busting bombs, designed to penetrate reinforced underground facilities.
President Donald Trump echoed the Pentagon’s assessment on social media, rejecting claims that Iran had removed enriched uranium prior to the strike and criticizing what he labeled “fake news” coverage of the event.
The White House is moving quickly to shape public perception amid declining poll numbers. Officials hope the strike’s perceived success will boost support, but analysts note the lack of independent verification may keep the jury out on whether the operation achieved its long-term strategic goals.
Despite claims of destruction, questions remain about the fate of approximately 408 kg of enriched uranium and Iran’s technical ability to resume nuclear development. U.S. officials have acknowledged that intelligence teams—not the military—are responsible for damage assessments.
The European Union urged all parties to pursue diplomatic solutions, reiterating that Iran must never obtain nuclear weapons. Tensions remain high as both the U.S. and Iran continue to frame the conflict through opposing narratives.
About the Author
