The Pentagon has released video evidence of its attacks on Iranian nuclear sites. The release comes amidst debate over the actual impact of the strikes, with some sources claiming extensive damage and others downplaying the destruction. Some reports suggest Iran had removed uranium from the targeted locations before the attacks.
At a Thursday news conference, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, outlined the US strategy and execution of the strikes. The footage showed bunker buster bombs hitting the Fordow nuclear site.
The visuals, presented by Gen. Caine, depicted the bunker buster bombs striking the Fordow site. Secretary Hegseth contradicted a Defence Intelligence Agency report that minimized the damage. He countered with strong language, describing the destruction as “decimating,” “obliterating,” and “destroying.” The footage itself, however, did not fully capture the specific effects of the bunker-buster bombs. The bombs had three effects that caused damage: blast, fragmentation and overpressure.
Reports from the US and Israel have indicated that three Iranian nuclear sites were heavily damaged. President Donald Trump declared that these sites had been completely destroyed by the US Air Force attacks. While Iran has acknowledged the US strikes, the country maintains that the damage was not as severe as claimed by the US.