ISLAMABAD: A fresh U.S. intelligence report has contradicted Israel’s justification for launching attacks on Iran, stating that Iran is not actively pursuing a nuclear weapon and remains years away from being able to build one.
According to a CNN report released Tuesday, U.S. officials believe Iran is not engaged in any current nuclear weaponization effort and is potentially three years from being able to produce and deliver such a weapon.
The findings challenge claims made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who launched “Operation Rising Lion” last week targeting Iranian nuclear sites, military facilities, and residential areas.
The Israeli campaign followed months of military aggression in Gaza and is being portrayed as necessary to stop what Tel Aviv alleges is Iran’s near-term nuclear threat.
Natanz Hit, Fordow Remains Unharmed
An Israeli military spokesperson said the operation had targeted dozens of sites, including the Natanz uranium enrichment facility.
Despite those attacks, U.S. intelligence sources say the strikes may have only delayed Iran’s nuclear timeline by a few months.
They added that Fordow—a second, heavily fortified Iranian enrichment facility—remained largely unaffected by Israeli air raids.
Experts in Washington remain skeptical of Israel’s claims, pointing out that the destruction seen so far is limited and not decisive.
No Evidence of Imminent Bomb, Say Experts
Kelsey Davenport, a leading analyst from the U.S.-based Arms Control Association, told the BBC that Israel has failed to present “clear or compelling” proof that Iran is close to developing a nuclear bomb.
She noted that Iran has maintained a “near-zero breakout” status for months—meaning it has not crossed the threshold to weaponization, despite enriched uranium stockpiles.
Davenport further clarified that recent assessments of Iran being “months away” from a bomb are not new and have lacked solid backing.
