In a high-stakes press conference at the Pentagon, U.S. Defense Secretary has downplayed a controversial report suggesting that recent U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities caused no permanent damage. The defense chief asserted that the operations were a resounding success, claiming they significantly crippled Iran’s nuclear capabilities and created conditions for a ceasefire in a 12-day conflict.

The defense secretary dismissed the preliminary assessment from the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) as flawed and lacking credibility, pointing out that it was released just days after the strikes and was not fully coordinated with intelligence agencies. He described the report as “low confidence,” riddled with gaps and assumptions that could mislead the public. Instead, he emphasized testimonies from various credible sources, including the Israeli Atomic Energy Commission and the CIA, which confirmed severe damage to Iran’s nuclear program.

During the briefing, he highlighted the remarkable capabilities of U.S. military personnel who executed what he termed “the most complex and secretive military operation in history.” The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff echoed these sentiments, detailing the precision and planning behind the strikes, which targeted the Fordo facility, a critical site in Iran’s nuclear development.

Despite Iran’s claims that the strikes have only intensified their resolve to continue their nuclear program, U.S. officials remain steadfast in their assertion of a successful mission. The defense secretary urged the press to focus on the historic achievement of the operation rather than speculative narratives that undermine the military’s accomplishments. As tensions rise and the world watches closely, the Pentagon stands ready, asserting that the military’s actions have set back Iran’s nuclear ambitions by years, paving the way for potential diplomatic breakthroughs.