As the cease-fire between Israel and Iran enters its second day, officials from the Trump administration have publicly disputed a preliminary U.S. intelligence report that claimed American strikes did not significantly hinder Iran's nuclear ambitions.
During a NATO summit in the Netherlands, President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted that the recent military actions had dealt a substantial blow to Iran's nuclear capabilities, contradicting the findings of the leaked report from the Defense Intelligence Agency, which indicated that the strikes only delayed Iran's nuclear program by a few months.
Rubio specifically cited the destruction of a conversion facility in Isfahan as a key factor in setting back Iran's nuclear program for years. However, he did not clarify whether this facility was damaged by U.S. or Israeli strikes. The report highlighted that while some damage was inflicted on various sites, the underground enrichment facility in Fordo remained operational.
Both Israel and Iran have claimed victory in the recent conflict, which has seen extensive airstrikes and missile attacks. Israeli authorities have lifted emergency restrictions that had closed schools and businesses, and Ben Gurion Airport has resumed international flights.
In Tehran, lawmakers have passed a bill to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which would further complicate international oversight of Iran's nuclear program. The bill must be approved by the Guardian Council to take effect.
The cease-fire's initial day was marked by tension, with reports of Iranian missile launches, which were denied by Iran. Congress has expressed outrage over the administration's delay in briefing lawmakers on the U.S. military actions, highlighting concerns about adherence to the War Powers Resolution.
In a separate development, the Israeli military reported that seven of its soldiers were killed in Gaza, marking the highest single-day death toll for the Israeli military since the recent conflict escalated. This incident underscores the ongoing violence in Gaza amid the broader geopolitical tensions.
The situation remains fluid, with international reactions and assessments evolving as both sides navigate the aftermath of the conflict and the implications for Iran's nuclear program.