Dr. Jeffrey Lewis, Director of the East Asia Nonproliferation Program at the Middlebury Institute, offered perspective in an interview with The Independent. “Fordow has symbolic value, but it’s not the only facility associated with Iran’s nuclear program,” Lewis noted. He also suggested that Iran may have taken precautionary measures in the lead-up to the strikes, potentially limiting the impact on core infrastructure.
A preliminary assessment reportedly conducted by the Defense Intelligence Agency—as cited by CNN—suggests that portions of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile may still be intact. Two officials familiar with the classified evaluation indicated that further actions could be considered to address the broader nuclear development capabilities.
The White House, however, strongly disputed the report’s implications. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called the claims “flat-out wrong,” adding that they appear to stem from unverified information and do not reflect the official analysis of the Department of Defense.
“This was a well-planned and precisely executed operation,” Leavitt stated during a press briefing. “The mission targeted critical infrastructure with precision-guided munitions, and early data suggests our objectives were met.”
President Trump also responded via his social platform, reiterating his stance that the operation was a success. He criticized what he called “misleading media coverage” and praised the skill and dedication of the service members involved.
“The individuals who carried out this mission are true professionals, and their commitment should be recognized,” Trump wrote. “This operation sent a clear message about the United States’ position on nuclear nonproliferation and regional stability.”
As with any significant military action, public and expert evaluations continue to unfold. The broader implications for U.S.–Iran relations remain uncertain, but officials say efforts will continue to monitor the situation and pursue diplomatic strategies alongside defense preparedness.
