Iran Confirms Damage to Nuclear Facilities After US Strikes, But Extent Unclear

Tehran (The Uttam Hindu): Iran's Foreign Ministry has confirmed that the country's nuclear facilities suffered significant damage from recent US-led strikes. According to Esmail Baghaei, spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, "Our nuclear installations have been badly damaged, that's for sure." However, he declined to provide further details on the extent of the damage or the current status of the facilities.

The US military deployed B-2 stealth bombers to drop bunker-buster bombs on three key nuclear sites in Iran: Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. US President Donald Trump claimed the strikes were a success, stating that Iran's nuclear program had been "put back decades" and describing the outcome as "obliteration."

Damage Assessment:

1. Natanz: Satellite imagery shows two new craters at the site, likely caused by bunker-busting bombs. The extent of underground damage is still unclear.

2. Fordow: Imagery reveals holes in the mountain above the underground facility, indicating potential damage. US officials claim the strike severely damaged the site.

3. Isfahan: At least 18 structures were partially or fully destroyed, with visible blackening of the site.

Despite Trump's claims, experts suggest that determining the full impact of the strikes will take time. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is yet to assess the damage, with Director Rafael Grossi prioritizing inspections to verify Iran's enriched uranium stockpile. Iran's nuclear program's future remains uncertain, with potential long-term implications for regional and global security.