Trump Allies Claim Iranian Nuclear Sites “Obliterated” After Weekend Strikes
Following reports of weekend strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, prominent figures from the former Trump administration are backing claims that the facilities were destroyed. This public show of support counters reports that suggest the damage might not have been total.
Administration Officials Rally
Former senior officials are voicing support for Donald Trump’s assertion that US strikes completely destroyed Iran’s nuclear facilities. John Ratcliffe, former CIA director, issued a statement echoing the claims. The Israel Atomic Energy Commission stated Iranian nuclear efforts have been delayed “by many years”.
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“New intelligence confirms” what Trump has stated: “Iran’s nuclear facilities have been destroyed. If the Iranians chose to rebuild, they would have to rebuild all three facilities … entirely, which would likely take years to do.”
—Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has consistently reported on Iran’s nuclear program, with recent updates indicating ongoing uranium enrichment. As of late 2024, Iran was estimated to possess over 12 times the amount of enriched uranium permitted under the 2015 nuclear deal (IAEA Report).
Contradictory Reports Emerge
A leaked Defence Intelligence Agency report indicates that the strikes at the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites caused significant damage. The report also states that the facilities were not completely destroyed, which contradicts the claims made by Trump officials.
Pete Hegseth, the former US Secretary of Defence, is scheduled to hold a press conference. Marco Rubio, former US Secretary of State, labeled those who leaked the report as “professional stabbers.”
Karoline Leavitt, former White House Press Secretary, contested that Iran removed 400 kilograms of enriched uranium before the strikes, telling Fox News: “The US has no indication that that enriched uranium was moved prior to the strikes.”
