Context:

A preliminary U.S. report indicates that recent American airstrikes on Iran's nuclear sites have only set back their nuclear program by a few months. The attacks sealed off entrances to some facilities but failed to collapse underground structures, allowing Iran to possibly relocate nuclear materials to secret locations. The report suggests that Iran's program could still be resumed relatively quickly, as much of their enriched uranium remains intact. While President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have claimed significant damage, military assessments and Israeli evaluations have raised doubts about the extent of the impact. Ongoing intelligence assessments are expected to provide more information on the actual damage and Iran's potential to rebuild its nuclear capabilities.

Dive Deeper:

• The U.S. bombing campaign targeted three Iranian nuclear sites but only managed to delay their nuclear program by less than six months. Despite sealing entrances, the underground facilities remained largely intact, and Iran moved much of its enriched uranium prior to the strikes.

• Iran may have relocated some nuclear materials to undisclosed locations, and there is suspicion of small covert enrichment facilities that could sustain their nuclear ambitions in the face of attacks on larger sites.

• Israeli officials and military experts have expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the strikes, noting that the underground facilities, particularly at Fordo, were not obliterated despite severe damage to the electrical systems.

• The Defense Intelligence Agency's report contrasts with public statements from President Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth, who claimed that the strikes had obliterated Iran's nuclear capabilities. The report suggests that Iran retains the ability to quickly resume its nuclear program.

• Military officials had warned that multiple waves of strikes would be necessary to achieve significant damage, but President Trump halted additional attacks after the initial wave, raising questions about the strategic decisions behind the operation.

• The report remains classified, and its findings are contested by the White House, which accuses critics of attempting to undermine the administration's actions and the competence of U.S. military forces.

• Further assessments are anticipated as intelligence agencies continue to evaluate the situation, and Congress awaits detailed briefings to better understand the implications of the strikes and Iran's nuclear capabilities.