President Donald Trump on Wednesday dismissed intelligence reports suggesting a limited impact of US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear program. He maintained that the strikes “totally obliterated” their targets and were responsible for ending the 12-day Iran-Israel war, drawing a controversial parallel to the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Trump argued that the severe pressure inflicted upon Iran, including the US military action, had extinguished their nuclear ambitions. He publicly contradicted the Pentagon’s assessment, asserting the complete destruction of Iran’s nuclear facilities.
The conflict began with Israel’s bombing of Iranian nuclear sites, driven by concerns about nuclear proliferation. Iran, however, consistently stated its nuclear activities were for peaceful purposes. The ensuing 12 days were marked by intense exchanges of fire, causing widespread damage and casualties.
A ceasefire, reportedly brokered by Trump, was holding. His continued defense of his military directives highlights his firm belief in their effectiveness and his disdain for critical intelligence assessments.