The United States conducted a surprise strike on three key Iranian nuclear facilities, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, potentially setting back Iran’s nuclear program by up to a decade, according to Middle East expert Jacob Olidort. The operation, carried out using B-2 stealth bombers, has drawn immediate reactions from Tehran, with Iranian officials declaring that the time for diplomacy had passed. However, the expert warns that Iran’s ability to respond with a full-scale escalation is limited, citing recent Israeli strikes against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure as a key factor in diminishing Tehran’s capabilities. The U.S. strikes have been followed by Iran’s missile attacks on Israel, which have already caused casualties and sparked calls for a broader regional reckoning.
The U.S. launched a surprise attack on three major Iranian nuclear facilities, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, potentially setting back Iran’s nuclear program by up to a decade, according to Middle East expert Jacob Olidort. The operation, carried out using B-2 stealth bombers, has drawn immediate reactions from Tehran, with Iranian officials declaring that the time for diplomacy had passed.
While Iran may retaliate through ‘face-saving’ measures like cyber-attacks or regional infrastructure strikes, experts believe the regime lacks the capability for a significant escalation after recent Israeli strikes. The conflict has intensified with Iran’s missile strikes on Israel, which have already caused casualties and sparked calls for a broader regional reckoning. According to Olidort, the U.S. strikes have significantly reduced Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. The expert noted that Israel had already taken out many of Iran’s nuclear capabilities and scientists, setting back the program by two to three years. He estimated the U.S. operation could hinder Iran’s nuclear program by up to a decade, though he acknowledged that the timeline depends on future U.S.-Iran interactions.
Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said during a briefing at the Pentagon on Sunday morning that the full extent of the battle damage to the facilities would take time to assess. It remained unclear as of Sunday whether any enriched nuclear material was destroyed in the U.S. strikes or if Iran had moved the material beforehand. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has declared that ‘now is the time for peace,’ signaling a potential shift in U.S. policy toward Iran.
The strikes have also sparked debate over the role of Iran’s regional proxies in the conflict. Olidort noted that none of them have immediately jumped to Iran’s aid following the U.S. attacks, which may indicate a weakening of Iran’s influence in the region. The U.S. operation comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, with both Israel and Iran engaging in a series of strikes that have raised concerns about the potential for a broader regional conflict. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community watches closely for any signs of de-escalation or further military actions.