Petraeus Assesses Damage to Iran’s Nuclear Program After U.S. Strikes

Updated June 24, 2025
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Following U.S.strikes on Iranian nuclear‍ facilities, Iran retaliated by firing missiles at a U.S. ​airbase ‍in Qatar, ‍calling the ⁢attack a “devastating and powerful” response. U.S.⁤ officials reported no casualties. Military ​commanders are currently assessing the full extent‌ of the damage inflicted on Iran’s nuclear sites during the weekend.

Former CIA Director Gen. David Petraeus (Ret.) spoke about the military mission and ‍its impact on tehran’s‌ behavior, as well as the intelligence priorities for the U.S. Intelligence Community.

Petraeus emphasized⁢ the element of surprise in the U.S. bombing raid, noting the absence of air defense or Iranian aircraft opposition. He⁢ highlighted the use of submarine-launched ⁢ballistic missiles and the speed of ‍the operation, which ⁣was completed in 25 minutes. However, he raised concerns about the actual damage‌ inflicted and the need for a thorough bomb​ damage assessment​ (BDA) to determine if facilities ⁢were wholly‌ destroyed,⁣ and whether nuclear materials were moved beforehand.

Key questions remain regarding the amount of enriched uranium, ‍the number of operational centrifuges, and the remaining expertise to further enrich uranium to weapons grade. ‍Petraeus also​ mentioned the reported deaths of ⁣nearly two ‍dozen Iranian nuclear scientists, allegedly⁤ by Israel.

The operation involved over 125 ⁣aircraft, ​including refueling planes, F-22 and ⁢F-35 stealth fighters, jammers, and surveillance aircraft. Petraeus described it as‌ a well-orchestrated effort showcasing the capabilities of the U.S. military.

Regarding the BDA process, Petraeus explained that every element of intelligence,⁣ including imagery, ​signals, cyber, and human intelligence, woudl be employed. He also noted the potential value of‍ open-source intelligence, ⁤such as​ cell⁣ phone⁣ videos.

Petraeus recalled overseeing exercises ⁤simulating such scenarios ⁢during his command. He emphasized the complexity of the operation, even without enemy engagement, ​citing the precise timing ‌and coordination required ​for the aircraft ‌involved. He mentioned a previous rehearsal of a plan to destroy iran’s ‍entire nuclear program after the‍ revelation ​of the Fordow facility in 2009.

When asked about what it would take to completely destroy Iran’s nuclear program, Petraeus stated⁣ that it would require⁣ a much larger operation targeting numerous other sites. He noted that ⁤the situation has evolved, with improved Iranian air defenses, but a substantial operation with‌ follow-up actions would be necessary.

Regarding concerns about‍ Iran potentially mining the Strait of Hormuz and the possibility of hidden nuclear sites, Petraeus said the intelligence​ community ​has ⁤likely been working in overdrive‌ for weeks, sharing facts with Israel. He stressed the priority intelligence requirement of ⁣determining whether⁤ all highly⁤ enriched uranium and centrifuges have been⁢ destroyed, and whether sufficient expertise remains to restart the program.

Petraeus described the 30,000-pound “mountain ‌buster”⁤ bombs used in​ the strikes, emphasizing that⁢ no other country possesses such a weapon or the aircraft to carry it. He explained how the bombs are designed ‍to penetrate deep into⁣ subterranean ⁣chambers before detonating.

He acknowledged concerns about photos online showing trucks⁢ outside Fordow before the⁢ attack, raising uncertainty about whether all nuclear ⁤materials were still present. He said this would ​be a key question for the intelligence community.

What’s next

The U.S. intelligence community will continue to assess the damage ⁤to Iranian nuclear facilities ‍and monitor for any signs of renewed activity.The international ⁤community will be watching⁣ closely to see how Iran responds ⁣to the strikes and whether it takes steps to de-escalate tensions ‍in the region.