The Pentagon says U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites have degraded Tehran’s programme by as much as two years, following attacks last month that used heavy bunker-buster bombs.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell told reporters on Wednesday that the current assessment points to a “probable” delay of up to two years in Iran’s nuclear progress after the destruction of three key facilities in coordinated air strikes on 22 June.
The U.S. military deployed more than a dozen 30,000-pound (13,600kg) bunker-buster bombs in the operation, targeting deeply buried nuclear infrastructure. The Pentagon did not specify which sites were hit, but Iran has since confirmed damage at the Fordow enrichment plant.
President Donald Trump previously claimed the strikes had “completely and totally obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities, although international assessments remain more cautious.
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said at the weekend that Iran could resume enriched uranium production within a few months, suggesting Tehran retains some capacity.
The strikes mark a sharp escalation in U.S. military engagement with Iran’s nuclear programme and follow years of mounting tensions over enrichment activity, sanctions, and stalled diplomatic efforts. Iran began scaling back its nuclear commitments in 2019 after the U.S. withdrew from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said in an interview this week that the Fordow site had been “seriously and heavily damaged” and that authorities were still assessing the full extent.
The Pentagon’s estimate is being closely scrutinised by Western allies and the IAEA amid fears of further escalation in the region.
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Timothée Chalamet won the Golden Globe for best male actor in a musical or comedy on Sunday for his role in Marty Supreme, beating strong competition in one of the night’s most closely watched categories.
Teyana Taylor and Stellan Skarsgård were among the first winners at the Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, as Hollywood’s annual awards season got under way in Beverly Hills.
Hawaii’s Kīlauea volcano is showing increased activity, with lava flowing from two summit craters and flames, smoke and ash rising from the caldera.
The Arctic has become a frontline for strategic competition, NATO’s top military commander in Europe said on Sunday, as Russia and China increase their presence in the region.
U.S. President Donald Trump has ruled out ordering a mission to capture Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying he is confident the war in Ukraine can be brought to an end.
Bob Weir, the rhythm guitarist, songwriter and co-founder of the Grateful Dead, has died at the age of 78, his family has said.
Timothée Chalamet won the Golden Globe for best male actor in a musical or comedy on Sunday for his role in Marty Supreme, beating strong competition in one of the night’s most closely watched categories.
Hawaii’s Kīlauea volcano is showing increased activity, with lava flowing from two summit craters and flames, smoke and ash rising from the caldera.
China, Russia and Iran have begun a week-long joint naval exercise in South African waters, a move that comes amid strained relations between Washington and several members of the expanded BRICS bloc.
Hawaii’s Kīlauea volcano is showing increased activity, with lava flowing from two summit craters and flames, smoke and ash rising from the caldera.
The Arctic has become a frontline for strategic competition, NATO’s top military commander in Europe said on Sunday, as Russia and China increase their presence in the region.
Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov is suffering kidney failure and is undergoing dialysis, Ukrainian intelligence sources say.
More than 1,000 apartment buildings in Kyiv remain without heating after Russian missile attacks crippled the city’s energy system during a sharp cold snap, Ukrainian officials say.
Deaths linked to nationwide protests in Iran have risen to more than 500, according to a U.S.-based rights group HRANA, as Tehran warned it would retaliate against U.S. military targets if Washington intervenes.
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