Iran admits nuclear sites were ‘badly damaged’ in US strikes, keeps extent of impact under wraps

For the first time since the June 22 airstrikes, Iran has officially acknowledged that key nuclear facilities suffered “severe damage” in recent US military operations.

Iran's confession came amid continued speculation about the extent of destruction caused by bunker-buster bombs dropped by US B-2 stealth bombers on Iran's underground nuclear sites.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei confirmed the damage in an interview with Al Jazeera, stating that Iran’s nuclear infrastructure had been “badly damaged.”

However, he withheld specifics, citing national security concerns and ongoing internal assessments.

The US targeted three key Iranian nuclear sites — Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan — in what was described as a limited but high-impact strike.

The operation was part of a broader response to the escalating 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel, which ended in a US-brokered ceasefire just days ago.

President Donald Trump, addressing NATO allies in The Hague, had claimed the strikes were comparable to the Hiroshima bombing in their strategic effect.

He asserted the operation had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities and “ended the war,” suggesting it set the program back by decades.

However, leaked US intelligence assessments offer a more conservative view. According to preliminary reports from the Defense Intelligence Agency, Iran’s nuclear program may have been delayed by only a few months.

Intelligence officials believe that Iran likely moved enriched uranium from the targeted sites in anticipation of the strikes. Much of the underground infrastructure may remain intact.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has not been able to independently verify the extent of the damage, as Iran suspended cooperation with the UN watchdog shortly after the attacks.

Israeli officials, who have largely supported the US operation, said the strikes delayed Iran’s nuclear advancement by “years,” but agreed that full assessments were still pending.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte praised the US for its decisive action but expressed concern over the potential long-term instability in the region if Iran escalates in retaliation.

Iran has already hinted at a shift in its nuclear posture, warning that it may resume enrichment activities outside IAEA oversight.

The Pentagon has not issued a final statement on damage verification, while US officials maintain that more detailed surveillance is underway.