CIA Verifies Heavy Damage to Iran’s Nuclear Facilities

In a landmark confirmation, the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency declared on Wednesday that Iran’s nuclear program suffered severe damage during its 12-day war with Israel. The CIA’s statement aligns with Israeli claims and sharply contradicts earlier media reports suggesting only temporary setbacks.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe emphasized the gravity of the strikes “A body of credible intelligence indicates Iran’s nuclear program has been severely damaged.” He cited newly obtained intel from historically reliable sources confirming that several of Iran’s core nuclear facilities were destroyed and would require years to rebuild.

This announcement significantly bolsters Israel’s claim that the recent joint operation, which included precise American and Israeli strikes, succeeded far beyond initial assessments. The CIA added that it continues to gather intelligence and intends to share key developments with the American public as appropriate.

U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking from The Hague during the NATO summit, called the strike codenamed “Operation Midnight Hammer” a decisive blow. “It was obliteration. A virtual obliteration,” Trump said. He noted that both U.S. and Israeli teams reported complete destruction of the targeted nuclear sites.

Trump also pushed back strongly against earlier reports from CNN and The New York Times that suggested the attacks only delayed Iran’s nuclear progress. “Fake news,” he wrote on Truth Social. “The nuclear sites in Iran are completely destroyed!”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly thanked Trump and the U.S. for their critical role. “Israel has never had as great a friend in the White House,” Netanyahu said. He highlighted that the IDF and American forces had struck deep at the core of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, “sending it to oblivion.”

The operation targeted Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz three of Iran’s most heavily fortified nuclear sites. According to U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, 12 bunker buster bombs were dropped on Fordow alone, breaching even the deepest layers of protection. “It was obliterated,” Witkoff confirmed.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth dismissed contrary claims as politically motivated, stating flatly, “Anyone who says the bombs were not devastating is just trying to undermine the President and the successful mission.”

This confirmation marks a significant turning point in the ongoing struggle to contain Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The coordinated Israeli-American offensive not only eliminated critical facilities but also signaled a unified front against nuclear proliferation in the Middle East.

Israel’s national security has once again been fortified through unrelenting resolve and strategic alliances. Share this update or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest on Israel’s defense victories and diplomatic achievements.