June 25, 2025 | The Hague, Netherlands
At a press conference held during the NATO Summit in The Hague on Wednesday, President Donald Trump downplayed reports suggesting that Iran’s nuclear program remains largely intact despite recent U.S. military strikes, insisting that the targeted facility was “obliterated.”
Trump’s comments come just days after the U.S. launched a dramatic air campaign involving B-2 bombers and Massive Ordnance Penetrator bombs against suspected Iranian nuclear sites — an operation he has described as a turning point in preventing Tehran from ever developing a nuclear weapon.
“I don’t see Iran getting back into the nuclear business anymore,” Trump declared confidently, brushing aside concerns raised by some intelligence assessments.
Contradicting Reports
While Trump maintains that the operation was a total success, several U.S. intelligence sources have reportedly indicated that the airstrikes only set back Iran’s nuclear program by a few months, rather than permanently crippling it. Analysts say that underground bunkers and hardened facilities may have absorbed some of the damage.
Still, Trump rejected the reports as incomplete and misleading.
“The site was obliterated — just like I said it was,” he said firmly from the NATO press podium. “Issue the report when you know what happened. The report was not a complete report.”
The President did not provide additional evidence to support his version of events, but his remarks echoed similar statements from Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who earlier this week also described the operation as “a resounding success.”
Political Messaging and Global Stakes
The President’s remarks are part of a broader messaging campaign aimed at showcasing U.S. strength and deterrence, particularly in the wake of a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran that has already shown signs of fraying.
Trump has positioned the airstrikes as a decisive moment, not only in curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions but also in reasserting American military might on the global stage.
NATO’s Uneasy Silence
While Trump spoke forcefully, NATO allies have remained cautious. European leaders have largely refrained from endorsing or condemning the U.S. strikes, instead urging restraint and renewed diplomacy between Iran and the West.
Privately, some diplomats expressed concern that Trump’s hardline approach could provoke further instability in the region, especially if Iran resumes enrichment efforts in retaliation.
What Comes Next?
With Iran yet to issue a detailed response about the extent of the damage to its nuclear infrastructure, uncertainty continues to loom. While Trump insists Iran has been permanently set back, experts warn that unless the facilities were fully neutralized, the regime could rebuild — possibly in secret.
In the meantime, President Trump is leveraging the moment to bolster his foreign policy credentials ahead of a heated re-election campaign.
“Peace through strength works,” Trump told reporters. “Let’s just say they won’t be doing much enrichment going forward.”
Also Read:
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Gabbard Credits Trump for ‘Historic’ Ceasefire Deal With Iran
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Experts Warn Iran’s Nuclear Capability May Rebound Quickly
Stay with us for continuing coverage of the U.S.-Iran tensions and developments from the NATO Summit.
