US re-asserts 2025 strikes ‘obliterated’ Iran’s nuclear programme
Al Jazeera
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The White House has reaffirmed that last year’s military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, codenamed Operation Midnight Hammer, successfully dismantled the country’s nuclear program. However, this claim contrasts sharply with recent remarks by a senior Trump aide who suggested Iran is just one week away from obtaining bomb-grade nuclear material. The spokesperson for the White House, Karoline Leavitt, emphasized that the operation was an "overwhelmingly successful mission" and that Iran's nuclear capabilities had been completely eliminated. This assertion was supported by claims of verification from both President Trump and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), though the latter’s inspectors have not been able to assess Iran’s sites since the strikes.
The situation is further complicated by Tehran’s reported escalation of its nuclear program following the 2018 withdrawal by former President Trump from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Before the June 2025 attack, Iran was enriching uranium at 60% purity, a level considered suspicious due to its proximity to weapons-grade enrichment. The Pentagon has acknowledged that while the strikes delayed Iran’s nuclear program by one to two years, there is no official confirmation of whether Tehran has resumed enrichment activities post-attack. This uncertainty has led to renewed tensions, with both sides preparing for potential military confrontation.
Despite these developments, US and Iranian officials are set to engage in further negotiations this year to avoid another conflict. Iran has proposed a deal that would allow minimal uranium enrichment under strict IAEA supervision in exchange for eased sanctions. However, President Trump remains steadfast in his demand for zero enrichment, signaling the continued viability of military action as a policy option.
The current state of affairs underscores the delicate balance of power and brinkmanship between the US and Iran, with both sides holding firm to their positions. The stakes are high, not only for regional stability but also
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/24/2026