When President Donald Trump announced that U.S. airstrikes had “totally obliterated” three major Iranian nuclear sites, it sounded like a decisive blow. But new satellite images and expert insights suggest the reality might not match the hype. The strikes, which hit Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan on June 21, came amid escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, triggered by Israel’s attacks on June 13 over fears of Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Trump used his Truth Social platform to warn Iran against fighting back and to push for a deal with Israel. After Iran tried to attack a U.S. air base in Qatar on June 23—stopped by Qatari defenses—Trump called it a feeble attempt. He claimed a brief ceasefire was reached, but it crumbled when Iran reportedly fired missiles at Israel soon after. Now, attention is on whether the U.S. strikes actually crippled Iran’s nuclear program, and the evidence is casting doubt.
Satellite images from Maxar Technologies show some damage at Fordow, like craters near entry points, but the underground facility looks mostly unscathed. Dr. Jeffrey Lewis, a nuclear expert, told The Independent that Fordow’s deep, fortified design makes it hard to destroy, and Iran likely moved key equipment, like uranium or centrifuges, beforehand. This suggests the strikes didn’t hit Iran’s nuclear stockpile as hoped.
Iran has about 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%, close to the level needed for nuclear weapons. The U.S. aimed to disrupt this, but Rafael Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency said they’re still trying to locate the uranium. Vice President JD Vance admitted its whereabouts are unknown, raising questions about the strikes’ success. Some worry the attacks could push Iran to double down on its nuclear efforts.
Despite Trump’s claims of a “monumental” victory, the satellite photos suggest limited damage, especially to Fordow’s underground core. The strikes may have caused a stir, but they might not have stopped Iran’s nuclear progress. As the world waits for more clarity, this simple illusion of total destruction is proving far more complex than it seemed.
