Two Iranian Nuclear Facilities Survive U.S. Strike

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - One of Iran’s three nuclear enrichment facilities targeted by a U.S. attack last month reportedly suffered severe damage, while the other two sustained only minor damage and may resume operations within a few months.

This assessment comes from a recent U.S. government report, according to NBC News, citing five current and former officials familiar with the matter.

The report states that the Fordow facility, one of the sites hit, was effectively disabled and is not expected to be operational again for at least two years. Meanwhile, the Natanz and Isfahan facilities were only partially damaged.

Fordow Identified as Main Target

The United States struck three major Iranian nuclear sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Fordow, a key part of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, was reportedly the most severely hit. Two U.S. officials noted that Iran’s uranium enrichment efforts at Fordow may be set back by up to two years.

In a speech delivered hours after the strike, former President Donald Trump called the operation a "spectacular military success" and claimed that Iran’s main enrichment sites had been destroyed.

However, an initial evaluation by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) in June suggested the attack may have only delayed Iran’s nuclear program by several months.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) had previously developed a broader plan for strikes on three additional Iranian facilities. That operation was expected to span several weeks.

Trump was reportedly briefed on the expanded plan but rejected it. Sources said he was concerned about potential casualties and did not want to escalate U.S. involvement in overseas conflicts. “We are prepared for all options, but the president does not want this,” said one individual familiar with the discussions.

Further Strikes Under Consideration

Talks are now underway within the U.S. and Israeli governments about the possibility of further military action. This option may be considered if Iran fails to return to nuclear negotiations or if evidence emerges that the two less-damaged sites are being rebuilt.

According to Al Arabiya, the U.S. government previously stated that the attack aimed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Tehran has consistently denied pursuing a weapons program, insisting that its nuclear activities are solely for peaceful, civilian use.

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