limited Damage to Iran Nuclear Ambitions at Enrichment Sites

‍ ‌Updated June 25, 2025
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Despite claims of complete destruction, an assessment by the ‍Defense Intelligence Agency suggests that IranS enrichment ‌sites at Fordow, Natanz, and ‍Isfahan sustained limited damage. The assessment contrasts with earlier⁣ statements regarding​ the success of the strikes.

Chinese analysts concur that the strikes had limited effectiveness⁤ on Iran’s nuclear ⁤ambitions. Several factors contributed ⁤to this outcome, including⁤ the depth ‌of Iran’s underground facilities and the capabilities of the weapons used. There ​were also reports suggesting that Tehran moved enriched⁤ uranium before the ‌attacks.

Fu ⁤Qianshao, a‍ Chinese military aviation expert, noted the U.S.”bunker buster” bomb ‍could penetrate 197 ⁣feet underground. However, he said the effective depth would be less if⁤ the Iranian facilities used reinforced​ concrete.

“The Fordow facility is ‌buried about 80 to 90 metres underground, so ⁢there ​was a gap‍ there,” Fu said. “the US ⁢likely didn’t achieve the intended operational goal.”

What’s next

The full extent of the damage to Iran’s nuclear program and ⁣the long-term implications‍ remain unclear ⁢as‌ assessments continue.