Stunning revelations emerge in the wake of US “bunker buster” strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. Contrary to President Trump’s claims, Pentagon and intelligence sources assert the attack on Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz only damaged surface structures underground centrifuges and stockpiles reportedly remain intact. Despite dramatic media alerts, experts suggest Iran’s nuclear program is set back mere months, not derailed entirely. With Iran responding via missile fire on Al-Udeid base and global powers weighing in, the future of the nuclear conflict and true operational impact hangs in the balance.
US Bunker‑Buster Bombing Only Delays Iran Nuclear Program, Say BBC, DIA, CBS
New intelligence assessments from the BBC, CBS News, and the US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) suggest that recent US airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan failed to fully dismantle the country’s nuclear capabilities. While the strikes inflicted surface-level damage, critical underground centrifuges and uranium caches appear untouched setting Iran back mere months, not terminating its nuclear progress.
The Pentagon deployed “bunker-buster” bombs designed to penetrate up to 18 meters (60 ft) of reinforced concrete or 61 meters (200 ft) of earth reportedly disabling entry points and civil infrastructure. Satellite images revealed six fresh craters at Fordo and widespread debris, yet intelligence analysts emphasize that deeper assets remain undamaged.
According to CBS News, Iranian officials likely evacuated uranium stockpiles before the strike. The DIA’s briefing conveyed that Iran’s centrifuge capabilities, housed underground, were largely preserved meaning the setback is temporary and repairable within months.
Despite this, Western and Israeli officials maintain the bombings were crucial. Pentagon spokesperson General Dan Caine stated all targeted sites suffered “extremely severe damage and destruction.” US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed the sentiment, saying, “Our bombing campaign destroyed Iran’s ability to build nuclear weapons,” adding that critics are attempting to “discredit the president.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the strikes neutralized “two immediate existential threats,” referring to Iran’s nuclear ambitions and a stockpile of roughly 20,000 ballistic missiles. Saudi outlet Al Hadath quoted unnamed Israeli sources claiming much of Iran’s uranium remains buried but damaged under rubble.
David Albright, head of the Institute for Science and International Security, cautioned that while Iran’s program is impaired, rebuilding requires “significant time, investment, and energy.” He added Iran is under “intense surveillance by the US and Israel,” raising the risk of further strikes during restoration.
In response, Iran launched a retaliatory missile attack on Qatar’s Al‑Udeid Air Base. Though intercepted with no casualties, the assault triggered calls from President Trump for an immediate ceasefire a demand echoed by both Israel and Iran that same day.
