Escalation of Tensions: US Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Facilities — New Assessments and Geopolitical Implications
In the current global climate, tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated significantly following a series of American strikes targeting key Iranian nuclear sites. According to disclosures from the Pentagon, these military actions have substantially delayed Iran’s nuclear ambitions, pushing their development back by approximately one to two years. This assessment is based on classified intelligence and military reports, although official confirmation with concrete evidence has yet to be provided. On June 22, the United States launched attacks on three critical Iranian nuclear locations, drawing widespread international reaction and media scrutiny. Notably, President Donald Trump immediately claimed after the operation that Iran’s nuclear program had been destroyed. However, U.S. intelligence officials indicate that it may take weeks or longer to verify this assertion. Officials reassure that all available evidence suggests the targeted sites have been destroyed, yet questions regarding potential covert movement of high-enriched uranium stocks, particularly from the Fordow facility, remain unresolved. Meanwhile, IAEA Director Rafael Grossi warned that Iran could resume uranium enrichment within a few months, casting doubt on the long-term effectiveness of the recent strikes. Experts point out that Iran might have hidden significant quantities of enriched uranium, complicating verification efforts. U.S. Defense Secretary P. Gheset maintains that intelligence confirms the destruction of the targets, but analysts warn that the damage inflicted on Fordow might only delay Iran’s nuclear progress for a few months, rather than entirely halting it. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the strikes have caused severe damage to the Fordow nuclear facility, fueling concerns over Iran’s nuclear trajectory. As the situation unfolds, the international community closely monitors possible subsequent developments, aware that a prolonged escalation could have far-reaching geopolitical consequences.