**US Strikes Dealt Major Blow to Iran’s Nuclear Program**
The recent American military strikes against Iran have dealt a significant blow to the country’s nuclear program, according to CIA Director John Ratcliffe. The strikes targeted three key facilities, including the only metal conversion facility in Iran, which was destroyed.
The destruction of this facility is seen as a major setback for Iran’s nuclear ambitions. This is because it prevents them from converting enriched uranium gas into dense metal, a crucial step in producing the explosive core of a nuclear bomb. Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained that without a conversion facility, “you can’t do a nuclear weapon.”
**Ratcliffe: Strikes Will Take Years to Recover From**
During a classified briefing last week, Ratcliffe told lawmakers that most of Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium likely remains buried under rubble at the Isfahan and Fordo nuclear sites. He emphasized that destroying the metal conversion facility would take Tehran years to recover from.
President Donald Trump has continued to defend the operation, calling it “obliterating like nobody’s ever seen before.” However, a preliminary report by the US Defense Intelligence Agency concluded that while the strikes inflicted significant damage, they did not completely demolish the Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan facilities.
**IAEA: More Needs to Be Done**
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), emphasized that inspectors must be allowed in to fully assess the extent of the destruction. He cautioned against overstating the damage, saying “some is still standing” and that Iran could potentially rebuild its nuclear program.
The destroyed metal conversion facility played a central role in Iran’s nuclear weapons development. Ratcliffe highlighted this point during the classified hearing, describing the facility’s elimination as a strategic win that effectively undercuts Iran’s ability to weaponize its uranium.
**Weakened Air Defense Systems**
Ratcliffe also told lawmakers that the 12-day US assault severely weakened Iran’s air defense systems. This means that Iran now lacks the capability to defend against future Israeli airstrikes, making any attempts to rebuild its nuclear program highly vulnerable.
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