Pentagon Claims U.S. Strikes Set Back Iran's Nuclear Program by Two Years

The Pentagon reported that U.S. military strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities have delayed their program by one to two years. Despite differing initial assessments, new intelligence supports the successful outcome of the operation. However, doubts persist about Iran's ability to shield its uranium stockpile.

The Pentagon announced on Wednesday that a military operation 10 days ago successfully set back Iran's nuclear program by up to two years. This statement marks a significant shift from previous cautious assessments. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell delivered the update, underscoring the goals achieved by the U.S. military.

On June 22, the U.S. military executed airstrikes using a combination of bunker-buster bombs and Tomahawk missiles targeting Iranian nuclear sites. President Donald Trump initially declared the obliteration of Iran's nuclear program, a sentiment echoed later by Parnell.

Despite these claims, the head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog raised concerns over Iran potentially producing enriched uranium soon, questioning the strikes' long-term effectiveness. Additionally, officials remain uncertain about whether Iran moved its stockpile of enriched uranium before the attacks.

(With inputs from agencies.)