Recent assessments from U.S. intelligence suggest that airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear capabilities have not completely dismantled its program. While these strikes may have temporarily delayed Iran’s advancements by a couple of months, they did not eliminate Iran’s enriched uranium stocks, according to a preliminary evaluation from the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency.
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As reported by Reuters, three sources familiar with the intelligence disclosed that the strikes have raised concerns about the effectiveness of U.S. military responses. Former President Trump had previously claimed that these attacks successfully destroyed Tehran’s nuclear program, but this assessment contradicts that assertion and prompts questions about future military actions should the program remain intact.
During discussions at the UN Security Council, Trump’s administration stated that the airstrikes “degraded” Iran’s nuclear program, a notable nuance from his earlier statement that the facilities had been “obliterated.”
In response to the situation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the 12-day military campaign against Iran had effectively mitigated the threats posed by nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. “We have removed two immediate existential threats to us,” he emphasized in remarks shared by his office, highlighting their commitment to thwart any attempts to revive Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Israel initiated a surprise air campaign on June 13, targeting Iranian sites linked to the potential development of nuclear weapons, and marking a significant escalation, reminiscent of past conflicts. In turn, Iran – which maintains that its uranium enrichment is intended for peaceful purposes – launched missile attacks on Israeli cities in retaliation.
Today, there are indications that both nations have accepted a fragile ceasefire, a deal brokered by Trump, who cautioned both sides against violating the agreement. Reports indicate that negotiations included Qatar’s Prime Minister, who secured Iran’s compliance.
In a statement, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian referred to the end of hostilities as a “great victory,” expressing the country’s readiness to resolve its differences with the United States. Meanwhile, both parties took hours to publicly acknowledge the ceasefire, underlining the delicate nature of this truce.
Trump’s direct admonishments to both Israel and Iran reflected his desire for stability. “I’ve got to get Israel to calm down now,” he expressed, emphasizing the complex and longstanding tensions in the region.
Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz reiterated the country’s intention to uphold the ceasefire, provided Iran did the same. Yet, the significant mistrust between the nations poses challenges to a lasting peace.
As the ceasefire took effect, reports indicate that military operations were redirected. Israel’s Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, described this as a “significant chapter” in their ongoing conflict, while Iran’s military urged the U.S. and Israel to heed the lessons learned from their recent confrontations.
The tragic human cost of the conflict has been stark; Iranian authorities report 610 fatalities in their country due to Israeli strikes, while Israel suffered 28 casualties from Iran’s retaliatory attacks. The economic ramifications have been felt globally, with oil prices dropping and stock markets showing signs of renewed confidence following the establishment of the ceasefire.
As countries reflect on the ceasefire, the sentiments of relief resonate through communities affected by the conflict. “The war is over. It never should have started in the first place,” expressed Reza Sharifi, a resident returning to Tehran after fleeing the violence.
In Tel Aviv, Arik Daimant’s reaction underscores the turmoil that so often accompanies conflict: “Regrettably, it’s a bit too late for me and my family, because our house was totally destroyed. But as they say, ‘Better late than never’ – I hope this ceasefire marks a new beginning.”
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.
