US Officials Discuss Impact of Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Facilities
Details of the US Strikes on Iran
On Friday, US officials provided insights into the recent military strikes targeting Iranian nuclear sites during a press briefing. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and General Den Caine, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, were involved in the discussions regarding the planning and execution of these operations conducted last week.
Use of Bunker-Buster Bombs
According to a US official, twelve bunker-buster bombs were deployed in the strikes against Iran. General Caine showcased test footage demonstrating the effectiveness of these bombs.
Disagreement Over Damage Reports
US officials, including Secretary Hegseth, strongly contested reports from various media outlets suggesting that while the strikes inflicted damage, they did not completely destroy the nuclear facilities. Hegseth asserted that the strikes had obliterated the targeted sites, claiming that the reports contained significant inaccuracies.
Mechanics of the Bunker-Buster Bombs
General Caine explained that the bombs operate through three primary mechanisms: blast, fragmentation, and overpressure. He noted that in this operation, the predominant factors causing damage were a combination of overpressure and blast effects.
CIA's Assessment of the Strikes
In light of conflicting reports regarding the effectiveness of the strikes, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) confirmed that the operations had severely impacted Iran's nuclear capabilities. CIA Director John Ratcliffe stated that credible intelligence indicated significant damage to key facilities, which would require years for reconstruction.
Response to Media Coverage
President Trump criticized media reports that downplayed the success of the strikes. He announced that Secretary Hegseth and military leaders would hold a press conference to address what they termed misleading narratives from the media.
Upcoming Media Briefing
The press briefing is scheduled for 8 AM EST, where the officials will discuss the role of American pilots in the operation and counteract what they describe as premature reporting by news outlets.
Trump's Statement on Media
In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed his frustration with the media's portrayal of the strikes, asserting that the pilots involved felt disheartened by the negative coverage following their successful mission.
Conclusion
The Pentagon's release of footage and the CIA's assessment aim to clarify the impact of the strikes on Iran's nuclear program amidst ongoing debates about their effectiveness.