Attacks on Iran set back nuclear program by a year or two, Pentagon says

US Defense Department spokesman said the timeframe was likely "closer to two years"; He said U.S. intelligence still assesses that the facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan had been destroyed. The Pentagon said Wednesday evening that, according to its assessment, the Israeli and American strikes in Iran have set back the Iranian nuclear program by one year to two years. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell emphasized that the department’s position regarding the results of the U.S. strikes on the nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan remains unchanged—that those facilities were destroyed.

In a briefing to reporters during which Parnell shared the assessment he added: "It’s likely closer to two years." The Pentagon’s statement comes after a week and a half of conflicting declarations and reports about the outcome of the U.S. bombings at the three nuclear sites, particularly the Fordow uranium enrichment facility, which is considered the most fortified and therefore most critical to neutralize.

On the night of the American attack, President Donald Trump appeared on camera and declared that all three sites were completely destroyed and that Iran’s nuclear program had been “obliterated.” However, about half a day later, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Dan Caine, was more cautious. While he said the sites had suffered significant damage, he avoided using the word “obliterated” and stated that it was “too early” to determine the precise results of the bombings. (Read More)