A shocking revelation about the effectiveness of recent U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities has emerged from Washington, raising questions about the operation's overall success and future implications for regional stability.

According to NBC News, a new U.S. assessment indicates that only one of the three targeted Iranian nuclear enrichment sites was successfully destroyed, while the other two facilities sustained less significant damage and could potentially resume operations within months.

The assessment, which was recently presented to U.S. lawmakers, Defense Department officials, and allied nations, reveals that the Fordo enrichment site suffered the most extensive damage, potentially setting back Iran's nuclear capabilities at that location by up to two years.

Complex Military Strategy Raises New Questions

President Donald Trump's decision to launch Operation Midnight Hammer targeted three key facilities: Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. The operation marked the first combat use of the 30,000-pound GBU-57 "bunker buster" bombs, specifically designed to penetrate deeply buried facilities.

Intelligence officials had previously identified that both Natanz and Isfahan contained structures and enriched uranium likely beyond the reach of even these powerful weapons. This limitation was particularly evident at Natanz, where Iran had reportedly been digging tunnels deeper than the GBU-57's effective range since 2023.

The White House maintains that the operation was a complete success, with spokeswoman Anna Kelly stating that it "totally obliterated Iran's nuclear capabilities." However, the recent assessment suggests a more nuanced outcome, with varying degrees of effectiveness across the three sites.

Alternative Military Plans Revealed

A more comprehensive military strategy, developed by U.S. Central Command under General Erik Kurilla, had proposed striking six Iranian sites over several weeks. This expanded operation would have targeted additional facilities and Iran's air defense systems.

The broader assault plan was ultimately rejected by Trump, who preferred to avoid deeper military engagement in the region. Sources familiar with the decision cited concerns about potential casualties and the president's general inclination to reduce U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts.

The alternative strategy would have resulted in a prolonged air campaign, potentially triggering Iranian retaliation against American positions in Iraq and Syria, according to officials familiar with the planning.

International Implications and Future Concerns

The Israeli government has expressed its own assessment of the strikes' impact, suggesting that some of Iran's highly enriched uranium remains intact but effectively unreachable beneath the Isfahan facility. Israel has indicated its readiness to conduct additional strikes if Iran attempts to recover this material.

The destruction of Iran's air defenses during the operation has significantly reduced their ability to protect against future strikes, according to U.S. officials. This vulnerability may serve as a deterrent against Iran's attempts to rebuild its nuclear capabilities.

President Trump has explicitly stated his willingness to conduct additional strikes if intelligence indicates concerning levels of uranium enrichment activity in Iran, emphasizing the ongoing nature of this conflict.

Strategic Consequences and Regional Impact

The recent U.S. assessment highlights the complex challenges of targeting Iran's nuclear program, with mixed results from the initial strikes raising questions about future military options. The destruction of the Fordo facility represents a significant achievement, while the limited damage to Natanz and Isfahan suggests potential vulnerabilities in the U.S. strategy.

The situation has prompted discussions within both American and Israeli governments about the possibility of additional strikes, particularly if Iran refuses to engage in negotiations or shows signs of rebuilding activities at the less-damaged facilities.

These developments occur against the backdrop of Iran's consistent denial of nuclear weapons ambitions, though U.S. officials note that before the June strikes, the regime had accumulated enough fissile material for approximately nine to ten bombs, marking a significant shift from the restrictions imposed by the 2015 nuclear deal.