The recent US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities have sparked a heated debate after a leaked intelligence report suggested the attacks failed to destroy Iran’s nuclear programme.
While the White House firmly rejected this claim as “flat-out wrong,” the conflicting narratives reveal the complexity of the ongoing conflict.
Leaked Intelligence Questions Effectiveness of US Bombing Campaign
According to a top-secret document leaked to CNN, Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium was largely untouched by the Saturday night strikes.
The report, compiled by the Defense Intelligence Agency, states that the damage was mostly limited to aboveground structures, leaving critical underground sites intact.
This assessment sharply contrasts with former President Trump’s bold claim that the air strikes “completely and totally obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
The leaked document also suggests some uranium may have been relocated before the attacks, further complicating the picture.
White House Denounces Leak and Defends Mission Success
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt slammed the leaked report, calling it an attempt to undermine the President and discredit the pilots involved.
“Everyone knows what happens when you drop fourteen 30,000-pound bombs perfectly on their targets: total obliteration,” she said.
The White House maintains that the mission was flawlessly executed and the destruction was comprehensive, reiterating Trump’s strong support for the operation.
Israel and Iran Both Claim Victory Amid Ceasefire Talks
Following a fragile ceasefire brokered by Trump, both Israel and Iran have declared themselves victorious.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the US president and hailed the outcome as historic, saying it would “stand for generations.”
He emphasized that two immediate existential threats—a nuclear threat and a ballistic missile threat—had been eliminated.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian praised the “heroic resistance” of his country in the face of what he called Israeli provocation, insisting Iran emerged stronger from the conflict.
Trump Expresses Frustration Over Ceasefire Violations
Tensions escalated further when Trump publicly criticized Israel for breaking the ceasefire terms by launching heavy bombings shortly after the deal was reached.
Speaking before heading to the NATO summit in The Hague, Trump said he was “not happy with Israel,” accusing them of prematurely unleashing a massive assault.
The US President described the conflict between Israel and Iran as chaotic, with both sides “fighting so long and so hard that they don’t know what they’re doing.”
Netanyahu Calls Off Planned Strikes After Trump’s Intervention
Following Trump’s firm phone call, Netanyahu agreed to cancel planned airstrikes on Tehran.
Israeli jets en route to the attack turned back after just one aircraft dropped its payload.
Despite their spat, Netanyahu reaffirmed his strong alliance with Trump, calling him Israel’s “best friend” in the White House and insisting that Israel must continue its campaign against Hamas in Gaza.
Background to the Conflict and Recent Developments
The ceasefire came after Iran launched missile attacks on the US airbase at Al-Udeid in Qatar, but prior warnings allowed the base to prepare, avoiding casualties.
Iran fired 14 missiles, one corresponding to each bunker-buster bomb used against Fordow’s nuclear facility.
Trump expressed hope that Iran would transition to becoming a “great trading nation” and emphasized the success of the US mission to destroy Iran’s nuclear infrastructure while ending the war.
Human Cost and Reactions from Around the World
The conflict has taken a heavy toll, with Iran reporting over 600 casualties, including children, and Israel confirming 28 deaths from Iranian attacks.
International reactions varied: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte praised Trump’s decisive action in Iran, calling it extraordinary and a step toward global safety.
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer urged that the ceasefire “must hold” to secure stability in the Middle East and prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Ongoing Challenges in the Region
While diplomatic efforts continue, violence persists on the ground.
The RAF evacuated UK citizens stranded in Israel, and reports emerged of Israeli forces killing civilians waiting for aid in Gaza.
The fragile peace hangs in the balance as the world watches whether the ceasefire will hold or if tensions will once again spiral into open conflict.