The Pentagon announced on Wednesday (July 2) that following the military strikes on three key nuclear facilities in Iran carried out by the United States, Iran’s nuclear program may be delayed by one to two years.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell informed the media during a routine press conference that the recent attacks successfully destroyed all three targeted facilities within Iran.
During the briefing, Parnell provided an assessment of the results of the June 21st operation, stating that the setback to Iran’s nuclear capabilities is estimated to be “possibly close to two years.”
The U.S. severely damaged three crucial uranium enrichment facilities in Iran during the airstrikes on June 21st.
In retaliation, Iran launched missiles at a U.S. airbase in Qatar on June 23rd, but the missiles were intercepted by the U.S. and Qatar’s air defense systems with no reports of casualties.
Subsequently, Iran and Israel declared an end to the brief 12-day conflict.
U.S. President Trump has taken a firm stance against Iran. On Monday (June 30), he posted on the media platform “Truth Social” that the U.S. would not offer anything to Iran, and he would not seek dialogue with Iran, stating “because we completely destroyed their nuclear facilities.”
During an interview with Fox News, the President stated, “If they (referring to Iran) are peaceful, and if they can show us that they will not cause any harm again, I will lift sanctions, and the lifting of sanctions will bring about significant changes.”
He further mentioned that if Iranian leaders “behave themselves,” the U.S. would allow Iran to sell oil.
Oil exports are a primary source of income for Iran.
Trump said, “U.S. sanctions are very powerful, making Iran’s situation difficult. I don’t want to make things difficult. I want them to have good days,” but the condition is for Iran to return to the world order, show goodwill, not hostility.
According to reports from Iranian state media on Wednesday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that Tehran has suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The Iranian parliament plans to pass a bill to freeze cooperation on July 25. The specifics of the bill are not yet clear.
Iranian state media stated that IAEA inspectors need permission from Iran’s Supreme National Security Council to visit Iranian nuclear facilities, and access to Iranian nuclear facilities is conditional on ensuring the “security of Iran’s nuclear facilities and peaceful nuclear activities.”
In a statement, the IAEA mentioned that they are aware of reports about Iran suspending cooperation and are currently waiting for official confirmation.
Last week, Iran barred IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi from entering its nuclear facilities and dismantled surveillance cameras onsite, drawing condemnation from the U.K., France, and Germany.