New US intelligence assessments indicate Iran’s nuclear programme has suffered only limited additional setbacks despite months of conflict and repeated military strikes, according to sources familiar with the findings.
Read More: US intelligence says Iran not rebuilding nuclear program
Officials say the estimated timeline for Iran to potentially produce a nuclear weapon remains largely unchanged from previous assessments made after US and Israeli attacks last year. Analysts had earlier concluded those strikes delayed Tehran’s nuclear progress by pushing back its timeline for building a bomb to between nine months and one year.
Exclusive: US intelligence indicates limited new damage to Iran’s nuclear program, sources say https://t.co/XWFZv0cXfv https://t.co/XWFZv0cXfv
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The latest review suggests recent military operations, including strikes launched since late February, have not significantly altered that estimate. While Israel targeted several nuclear-linked sites and facilities, many recent US attacks have focused more heavily on Iran’s conventional military assets, defense systems, and leadership targets.
According to sources, Iran still retains a substantial stockpile of highly enriched uranium, a critical component in any potential weapons programme. The International Atomic Energy Agency has been unable to verify the current location of roughly 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%, raising continued international concerns.
US officials maintain that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon remains a central strategic objective. White House representatives said earlier operations damaged key nuclear infrastructure and weakened Iran’s defense capabilities surrounding sensitive facilities.
However, intelligence officials reportedly believe that significantly disrupting Tehran’s nuclear ambitions would likely require either destroying or securing its remaining uranium reserves, some of which are believed to be stored in hardened underground sites beyond the reach of conventional munitions.
Diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran remain ongoing following an April truce, though tensions remain elevated due to regional instability and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons, insisting its nuclear programme is intended solely for peaceful civilian energy purposes.
Read More: Iran was not rebuilding nuclear enrichment, US intelligence finds
Experts note that accurately measuring Iran’s nuclear progress remains difficult, particularly after attacks, restricted inspections, and the reported killing of several Iranian nuclear scientists. Some analysts believe these factors may have created longer-term setbacks that are not yet fully reflected in intelligence estimates.