Share this @internewscast.com

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of the United States has reported “credible intelligence” indicating that the US attack on Iran significantly damaged its nuclear program, despite earlier leaked intelligence reports suggesting otherwise.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe stated on Thursday that new intelligence from a historically reliable source shows that several critical Iranian nuclear facilities were destroyed, and would require years to rebuild.
The US targeted three of Iran’s nuclear facilities last weekend — specifically Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan — with President Donald Trump claiming the strikes “obliterated” these sites.

Nevertheless, the complete impact on Iran’s nuclear initiatives is somewhat ambiguous.

What have Israel and Iran said?

Israel’s nuclear agency assessed the strikes had “set back Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons by many years”.
Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei has also confirmed that the facilities have been “badly damaged”.
“That [damage] is certain, because [those facilities] have been under repeated attacks,” he told Al Jazeera.

However, he didn’t provide any details about the extent of the damage.

The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi has stated that some of Iran’s highly enriched uranium may have survived the attacks, as Tehran could have moved it shortly after the initial strikes.

Maxar Technologies, a satellite imaging company based in the US, has released images showing vehicles and trucks at Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility just two days prior to the airstrikes targeting that and other nuclear sites.

‘We’re going to talk to them next week’

Speaking in The Hague during the NATO summit, Trump said he would likely seek a commitment from Iran to end its nuclear ambitions at talks next week.
“We’re going to talk to them next week, with Iran. We may sign an agreement. I don’t know. To me, I don’t think it’s that necessary,” Trump said.

“I’ll tell you, the last thing they want to do is enrich anything right now. They want to recover,” he said, addressing the Western claims that Iran has been enriching uranium close to weapons-grade levels.

He did not give details on the discussions, such as the venue and participants.
Trump said he was confident Tehran would pursue a diplomatic path now, despite the recent conflict.
If Iran tried to rebuild its nuclear program, “we won’t let that happen”, he said.

“Number one, militarily we won’t.”

Different signals from Iran

However, different parts of the government in Iran have sent different messages about the future of its nuclear program.
On Wednesday, in a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said they are “ready to resolve issues between themselves and the US based on international frameworks”.

In an interview with Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said that the conflict will “strengthen Iran’s will” for its nuclear program.

But he also conceded that the strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities will have wide impacts on its nuclear program.
On the other hand, on Wednesday, Iran’s parliament approved a bill to suspend cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Iran’s unelected Guardian Council would need to approve it for it to become law. The bill requires any future inspection by the IAEA to get approval from the Supreme National Security Council.
Parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf was quoted by state media as also saying Iran would accelerate its nuclear plan.
The country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is known for making the final decision in such situations, has not yet publicly commented on the matter.
— With additional reporting by Reuters.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Sean Combs Trial: Jury Delivers Partial Verdict but Stalls on Final Charge

This article contains references to domestic violence and sexual assault. The jury…

How a Financial Choice Became My Lifeline After a Parkinson’s Diagnosis

Is super fairly providing for all Australians in retirement? With legislative changes…

Filing Your Taxes Early? Here’s Why It Might Be Costly

As the new financial year dawns, many Australians are eagerly awaiting some…
Premier Jacinta Allan said the state would build its own register for childcare workers to give families an additional layer of "checks and balances".

Victorian Premier Initiates Immediate Review of Childcare Safety Following Staff Charges

The Victorian government has announced a swift review focused on enhancing childcare…
A 52-year-old man has been charged after a large amount of child abuse material was allegedly hidden in his underwear and shoes at Sydney Airport.

Man Arrested After Alleged Discovery of Child Exploitation Images Hidden in Underwear During Airport Security Check

A 52-year-old man has been charged after a large amount of child…
While Tammy Hembrow, 29, has fled Australia for a luxurious family getaway, ex Matt Zukowski, 31, appeared to open his heart to new love following their split

Tammy Hembrow’s former partner Matt Zukowski accidentally reveals he’s ready to ‘date’ again – then quickly retracts his statement

While Tammy Hembrow has fled Australia for a luxurious family getaway, ex…
Pheobe Bishop

A third individual has been charged in connection with the disappearance and suspected murder of Pheobe Bishop.

A third person has been charged in relation to the disappearance and…

Judge Finds Wissam Haddad’s Anti-Jewish Speeches Violate Racial Discrimination Laws

The Federal Court has determined that speeches given by an Islamic preacher…

Heavy Rain Leaves Thousands Without Power on NSW Central Coast

Approximately 30,000 households are experiencing power outages in Newcastle and the NSW…

Man Accused of Obstructing Pheobe Bishop Investigation

A 30-year-old man has been charged after allegedly interfering with police investigations…

Trump Announces Israel’s Agreement to ‘Essential Terms’ for 60-Day Gaza Ceasefire

United States President Donald Trump says Israel has agreed to the “necessary…

The Process of Choosing the Dalai Lama’s Successor and China’s Role in It

“But here in Australia, we have the opportunity to learn our culture,…