Iranian nuclear program degraded by up to two years, Pentagon says

A graphic showing Iran's Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant is seen in this phtograph released by the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 26, 2025. U.S. Department of Defense/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Pentagon said on Wednesday that U.S. strikes 10 days ago had degraded Iran's nuclear program by up to two years, suggesting the U.S. military operation likely achieved its goals despite a far more cautious initial assessment that leaked to the public.

Sean Parnell, a Pentagon spokesman, offered the figure at a briefing to reporters, adding that the official estimate was "probably closer to two years." Parnell did not provide evidence to back up his assessment.