Middle East expert: Iran trying to ‘save face’ after nuclear site strikes

The recent airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites have sparked a wave of controversy and speculation regarding the extent of the damage and the actual impact on Iran’s nuclear program. According to Middle East expert Jacob Olidort, Iran’s assessment of the damage only serves to reinforce the views of the United States and Israel.

Olidort emphasized that Israel, in particular, has the greatest resources and incentive to accurately assess the situation. He pointed out that Israel has been preparing for such a scenario for years and claims to have successfully destroyed Iran’s ability to enrich uranium, setting back their nuclear program significantly.

The United States, on the other hand, conducted a surprise strike using B-2 stealth bombers and bunker-buster bombs on Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities. Despite claims from the Trump administration that the sites were destroyed, some media reports have pushed back on these assertions.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei confirmed that their nuclear installations have been badly damaged but declined to provide further details. Olidort dismissed Iran’s statements as merely an attempt to save face, noting that their assessment aligns with the views of Israel and the U.S.

International Atomic Energy Agency Director Rafael Grossi echoed these sentiments, stating that the damage done by the airstrikes was “very, very, very considerable.” While he stopped short of saying the facilities were annihilated, Grossi emphasized the significant impact of the strikes on Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

Overall, the aftermath of the airstrikes continues to be a topic of intense debate and scrutiny. As more details emerge and assessments are made, the true extent of the damage and the long-term implications for Iran’s nuclear program will become clearer.

The original article was sourced from Fox News.