Trump Iran Nuclear Strike Questioned by Intelligence Reports
President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have launched a full-throated defense of the Trump Iran nuclear strike, countering a U.S. intelligence assessment that suggests only limited damage was inflicted on Iran’s key nuclear facilities.
Speaking at a press conference following the NATO summit in the Netherlands, Trump rejected the Defense Intelligence Agency’s (DIA) early analysis that the bombings at Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordo would only delay Iran’s nuclear program by a few months. He accused the media of disrespecting the pilots and misrepresenting the outcome.
Trump Says Pilots Were “Devastated” by Media Narrative
Trump emphasized the emotional toll on the B-2 bomber pilots who carried out the Trump Iran nuclear strike. He said they were “devastated” by reports implying their mission had minimal impact, stating, “They put their lives on the line.”
The president claimed he had spoken with one of the pilots, who insisted the target was hit “perfectly.” Trump suggested media coverage was more focused on attacking him than recognizing the pilots’ achievement.
Hegseth Rallies Behind U.S. Military Effort
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, standing beside Trump, criticized the press for allegedly downplaying the operation. He praised the skill and courage of the pilots and support crews, who flew a 36-hour mission “on behalf of the American people.”
“These pilots, these refuelers, these fighters, these air defenders — the courage it took to go into enemy territory is beyond what anyone here can fathom,” Hegseth said, adding that many journalists “don’t care what the troops think.”
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Trump Rejects Preliminary Damage Assessments
Trump argued the DIA’s preliminary assessment was “incomplete” and should never have been released. He cited an Israeli intelligence report that reportedly concluded the Fordo facility was rendered inoperable, contradicting the DIA’s findings.
“The report said what it said. It was fine. It was severe. They think. But they had no idea,” Trump asserted. He insisted the Trump Iran nuclear strike did far more damage than suggested by intelligence leaks.
Tulsi Gabbard Echoes Trump’s Claims, Slams Media
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard also pushed back against the media narrative, stating that “Iran’s nuclear facilities have been destroyed.” Posting on X, she accused the media of using selectively leaked, low-confidence assessments to undermine both Trump and the mission.
Gabbard said the airstrike was a “historic mission to keep the American people safe,” and claimed new U.S. intelligence backed her conclusion.
Damage Confirmation May Take Time
Military officials have confirmed that substantial damage was inflicted on the three Iranian sites, but a full battle damage assessment is still underway. Western forces have not yet inspected the locations on the ground.
Nonetheless, Hegseth maintained that early visuals and classified reports confirm the Trump Iran nuclear strike was effective: “If you want to assess Fordo, bring a shovel and dig deep — it’s obliterated.”
Final Take: Trump Iran Nuclear Strike Remains Politically Charged
The Trump Iran nuclear strike has become a political flashpoint, with Trump, Hegseth, and Gabbard vigorously defending the operation’s success and turning criticism toward the media and intelligence leaks. While full verification of damage remains pending, the administration is clearly staking its narrative on military valor and decisive action.
