US strikes degraded Iranian nuclear capabilities amid ongoing tensions
The Pentagon announced that Iran’s nuclear program has been degraded by up to two years following recent U.S. military strikes, marking a significant development in the ongoing nuclear standoff. The assessment contradicts earlier leaked intelligence reports that suggested the strikes had only set Iran back by a few months, creating tension between the Trump administration and the intelligence community.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth held a high-profile Pentagon briefing to defend the effectiveness of the airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, dismissing leaked reports as “low confidence” and accusing the press of undermining military success. The strikes represent a major escalation in U.S.-Iran tensions, with the administration claiming significant damage to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. European Union leaders have vowed to intensify diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions, emphasizing that a lasting solution can only come through negotiations.
Source: Reuters