Former President Donald Trump is pushing back hard after a classified intelligence report cast doubt on the effectiveness of a bold U.S. military operation targeting key Iranian nuclear facilities.
The high-stakes mission—codenamed Operation Midnight Hammer—unfolded over the weekend, hitting Iran’s Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites. Backed by over 100 aircraft, including cutting-edge B-2 stealth bombers, the strike was initially touted by the White House as a resounding success.
However, that narrative is now being challenged.
According to defense sources and expert commentary, early assessments suggest that while the operation struck high-profile targets, the core infrastructure of Iran’s nuclear program may have survived the assault. Notably, a Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) report, cited by CNN, indicates that parts of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile remain untouched—raising questions about the operation’s long-term effectiveness.
Dr. Jeffrey Lewis, Director of the East Asia Nonproliferation Program at the Middlebury Institute, commented, “Fordow carries symbolic weight, but Iran has other facilities that are just as vital. There are signs Tehran may have anticipated the attack and taken protective steps.”
Despite the swirling doubts, the White House remains defiant. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the leaked report as “flat-out wrong,” asserting it was based on incomplete and unofficial sources.
“This was a tightly coordinated strike using precision-guided munitions. Our initial data shows we achieved our objectives,” Leavitt said during a heated press briefing.
President Trump echoed that sentiment in a fiery post on his social media platform, slamming what he called “dishonest media spin” and applauding the U.S. military personnel behind the operation.
“These brave men and women carried out an incredibly complex mission with flawless execution,” Trump wrote. “This sends a strong message: the United States will not tolerate nuclear threats or regional instability.”
While political leaders remain divided over the strike’s impact, analysts agree that tensions in the region have escalated. The broader geopolitical fallout—and the future of U.S.–Iran relations—remains uncertain.
For now, officials say the U.S. will continue to monitor developments closely, balancing military readiness with renewed diplomatic efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions.