Speaking at the NATO summit in The Hague, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on Wednesday that Israel sent agents into Iran’s Fordo nuclear facility following an American airstrike earlier this week. According to Trump, those on the ground reported “total obliteration” of the site, calling the attack a decisive success.
“You know they have guys that go in there after the hit, and they said it was total obliteration,” Trump told reporters. “Israel is doing a report on it now, and I was told it was a complete wipeout. I believe they didn’t have a chance to salvage anything because we acted fast.”
However, a leaked U.S. intelligence assessment painted a different picture, suggesting that the underground sections of Fordo may have remained largely intact. The report also claimed that a significant portion of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile may have been moved out before the strike. The White House has since dismissed the findings and condemned the leak, standing by Trump’s version of events.
In response to Trump’s remarks, Israeli officials told local media outlet Kan that they were unaware of any post-strike Israeli operation inside Fordo.
When asked if the U.S. would launch more strikes should Iran attempt to restart its uranium enrichment program, Trump didn’t hesitate. “Sure,” he replied. “The last thing they want to do is enrich anything right now. They want to recover. They’re not going to have a bomb, and they’re not going to enrich.”
Despite the aggressive rhetoric, Trump expressed optimism about the broader situation in the region. He praised the ceasefire between Israel and Iran, calling it “a very equal agreement” and noting that both sides agreed it was time to pull back. “They both said, ‘That’s enough,’” he remarked.
Turning to the conflict in Gaza, Trump said progress is being made on a potential hostage-truce deal and applauded Israel for showing restraint. After initially criticizing Israel for retaliating against Iran after the ceasefire was announced, Trump shifted tone, commending Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for holding back further attacks.
“Israel got hit very hard, especially in the last couple of days,” Trump said. “Those ballistic missiles took out a lot of buildings. But they’ve been great. Bibi Netanyahu should be very proud of himself.”
