A preliminary assessment from the US Defense Intelligence Agency last week indicated that the strikes may have delayed Iran's nuclear programme by only a few months. But the Trump administration dismissed the assessment as low-confidence, claiming that newer intelligence showed Iran’s nuclear programme had suffered significant damage.

WASHINGTON: The Pentagon said on Wednesday (Jul 2) that United States strikes 10 days ago had degraded Iran's nuclear programme by up to two years, suggesting the US military operation likely achieved its goals despite a far more cautious initial assessment that leaked to the public.

Hammer led to the "total obliteration of Iran's nuclear ambitions," a Pentagon spokesperson said. Iranian officials have told Al-Monitor they intend to continue to enrich uranium domestically.