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CIA Chief: Iran’s Nuclear Program Set Back by Years After U.S. Strikes
CIA Director John Ratcliffe says U.S. strikes on Iran’s uranium facilities have set Tehran’s nuclear program back by years. Enriched uranium at Fordow & Isfahan “buried under rubble.”
ND
by News Desk
2025-06-30
CIA Chief: Iran’s Nuclear Program Set Back by Years After U.S. Strikes

CIA Director John Ratcliffe has claimed that Tehran’s nuclear ambitions have suffered a multi-year setback following targeted U.S. strikes on critical Iranian nuclear infrastructure.

In a statement made public through U.S. media channels, Ratcliffe revealed that the United States destroyed Iran’s only operational uranium conversion facility, dealing what he called a “severe blow” to the country’s nuclear program.

According to sources familiar with a classified congressional briefing, the CIA chief informed lawmakers that Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles at the Fordow and Isfahan facilities were “buried under rubble” during the recent aerial assault.

“It will take Iran years to rebuild what was lost. This is not a temporary disruption—it’s a strategic setback,” Ratcliffe reportedly told lawmakers in the closed-door session.

The comments come in the aftermath of the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict, in which the United States provided significant support to Israel’s military campaign, including direct airstrikes on Iranian nuclear targets.

Iran Yet to Respond Publicly

While Iran has acknowledged damage to some facilities in earlier statements, Tehran has not yet officially responded to Ratcliffe’s remarks. Iranian officials have previously vowed to continue their nuclear program, which they insist is for peaceful purposes.

Tensions Still High

Despite calls for de-escalation by international mediators, U.S.-Iran tensions remain high, with both sides trading warnings and accusations in recent weeks. Iran’s leadership has also condemned what it calls violations of international law by the United States and Israel.

This development comes as part of broader regional shifts, including efforts by the Trump administration to broker a ceasefire in Gaza and realign diplomatic relations across the Middle East.

 
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CIA

IranNuclear

USIranTensions

JohnRatcliffe

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