Leaked Intelligence Assessment Challenges Official Reports on Iran Strike

Officials from the current administration criticized a leaked preliminary intelligence report concerning the US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, which the President had previously hailed as a major accomplishment. The classified Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) report, described as having low confidence in its accuracy, estimates that Iran could resume its nuclear activities within one to two months. Some sources suggest uranium enrichment could restart within a year.

The assessment focused on damage to key sites like Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz, with satellite images showing critical impacts. Specifically, the report indicates that Iran’s fortified Fordow facility suffered cave-ins at its entrances and structural damage, yet Iran might still be able to dig out, repair, or rebuild the site. Despite extensive bombing with 14 bunker busters, the assessment suggests some infrastructure remains salvageable.

White House officials dismissed the report. Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt criticized the leak, calling it “outrageous” and “treasonous,” and demanded an investigation to identify and hold accountable the source of the leak. She also dismissed the DIA’s findings, asserting that the site was completely destroyed and could not be rebuilt, contrary to the assessment.

Defense officials maintained that the strikes were highly effective. Special envoy Steve Witkoff asserted that critical facilities, including the underperforming Natanz reactors and the vital uranium enrichment plant at Isfahan—claimed to be destroyed—confirmed the success of the mission. He emphasized that the deep underground and above-ground reactors had been thoroughly targeted and rendered inoperative.

Witkoff added that the facility at Isfahan, essential for uranium enrichment, was “completely destroyed,” asserting that the extensive bombing bridge the last remaining operational reactor, leaving Iran unable to weaponize enriched uranium, even if it had reached high purity levels.

Leavitt described the attack as a total obliteration, emphasizing the effectiveness of the bombings based on intercepted communications and satellite data. The administration’s stance remains that the strike achieved its strategic goals, with officials calling for accountability concerning the leak of sensitive information.