By SCALE UB news team : 23/06/2025

News summary:

Following President Trump’s bold assertion that US strikes “completely obliterated” Iran’s nuclear sites, satellite imagery paints a nuanced picture. Photos show craters and collapsed entrances at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, but key structures—like ventilation systems—appear untouched. Experts caution it may take years to fully assess underground damage and confirm the true impact on Iran’s nuclear capabilities. vox.com+15hindustantimes.com+15finance.yahoo.com+15

Detail news:

On June 21, President Trump announced via Truth Social that the US attack, dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer, “completely and totally obliterated” Iran’s nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, claiming “monumental damage… Bullseye!!!” en.wikipedia.org+3hindustantimes.com+3apnews.com+3.

 2. Satellite Photos: Reality Check

High-resolution satellite images from Maxar, Planet Labs, and other sources confirm significant surface destruction: large craters and collapsed tunnel entrances, particularly at Fordow. Yet, some crucial infrastructure—like ventilation buildings—seem intact, and depths remain unclear. Experts emphasize that underground damage is not yet confirmed. .

 3. Conflicting Assessments

• The Pentagon described the strikes as “extremely severe,” yet did not fully back Trump’s “obliterated” framing newsnow.co.uk.

• Iran denies catastrophic damage, saying its nuclear sites only suffered superficial strikes and that enriched uranium had been relocated before the attack hindustantimes.com+2reuters.com+2nypost.com+2.

• The International Atomic Energy Agency reported no abnormal radiation levels, making underground assessment pending further inspections reuters.com.

 4. Expert Insights & Strategic Consequences

Analysts caution that even extensive surface damage may only set back Iran’s nuclear program by a few years, not dismantle it entirely. They also warn the attacks could push Iran to disperse nuclear assets or accelerate clandestine development. hindustantimes.com+1theguardian.com+1

 5. Broader Geopolitical Fallout

The operation significantly escalates tensions in the Middle East. Iran has vowed retaliation, including threats to close the Strait of Hormuz and retaliatory strikes on US or allied targets. Global markets reacted swiftly, with oil prices surging and calls for restraint growing louder.