US Defense chief says Iran strikes ‘obliterated’ nuclear program, led to ceasefire

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday rejected a leaked intelligence assessment that downplayed the impact of American strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, calling the operation “a resounding success” that helped end the 12-day war. “President Trump directed the most complex and secretive military operation in history,” Hegseth said during a Pentagon press briefing, crediting it with creating the conditions for a ceasefire and “decimating—choose your word—obliterating, destroying Iran’s nuclear capabilities.”

His comments followed a CNN report citing a leaked preliminary Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) assessment suggesting the strikes failed to destroy the targeted nuclear sites or Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium. According to the report, the attacks may have delayed Iran’s nuclear program by only a few months.

Hegseth dismissed the report as unvetted and incomplete, saying it had not been coordinated with the broader intelligence community and was based on “linchpin assumptions” that could undermine its conclusions. “Even that preliminary report acknowledges likely severe damage,” he said, accusing unnamed officials of leaking it “to muddy the waters.”

Hegseth also pointed to other assessments, saying they supported the administration’s view. These included comments from the Israeli Atomic Energy Commission, which said the Fordow facility was rendered inoperable, and IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, who told French media the strikes caused “enormous damage” to nuclear sites. Hegseth also cited the IDF chief of staff as saying Israel believed the program was set back by “years,” and Iran’s own foreign ministry, which acknowledged serious damage.