Despite bold claims by former U.S. President Donald Trump that Iran’s nuclear program has been “totally obliterated,” fresh assessments suggest otherwise — and raise serious questions about the true impact of the coordinated U.S.-Israel strikes.
According to Rafael Grossi, head of the UN’s nuclear watchdog (IAEA), Iran could resume enriching uranium for a potential nuclear weapon “in a matter of months.” In a CBS interview, Grossi confirmed that while the strikes on Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan were severe, they were far from total.
“Frankly speaking, one cannot claim that everything has disappeared,” he said, directly contradicting Trump’s triumphant rhetoric.
Grossi’s remarks echo a leaked Pentagon assessment which concluded that the strikes may have only set back Iran’s capabilities by a few months — a far cry from the permanent destruction promised by Washington.
The situation on the ground remains tense. Iran has refused IAEA access to the damaged facilities and suspended cooperation with the agency, accusing it of siding with the U.S. and Israel. Meanwhile, conflicting statements from Tehran continue to cloud the picture. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei dismissed the strikes as ineffective, while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi admitted to “serious” damage.
Iran insists its nuclear program remains peaceful, yet its decision to halt IAEA oversight fuels fears of renewed enrichment beyond civilian thresholds.
The ceasefire between Iran and Israel is fragile, with Iran’s military warning it stands ready to respond to future attacks. Trump, for his part, has said he would “absolutely” consider further strikes if Iran is found resuming enrichment.
