U.S. Intel: Iran Three Years Away from Nuclear Weapon, Counters Israeli Claims
A U.S. intelligence assessment has concluded that Iran is at least three years away from developing a nuclear weapon, directly contradicting Israeli claims that Tehran is just months away from nuclear capability, according to a CNN report.
The assessment, which reflects ongoing differences between Washington and Tel Aviv, undercuts Israel’s justification for its current military offensive, “Operation Rising Lion,” aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Despite intense Israeli airstrikes over the past five days, U.S. intelligence believes Iran’s nuclear program has only been set back by a few months. The attacks have caused over 225 fatalities in Iran, including nuclear scientists and military personnel. Satellite imagery confirms serious damage to the Natanz enrichment facility and a research center in Isfahan, though the heavily fortified Fordow site remains largely untouched — reportedly beyond Israel’s strike capabilities without U.S. support.
U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated that Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon but has also maintained that the U.S. will not participate in Israel’s military operations. Trump has urged Tehran to return to negotiations “before it’s too late.”
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard testified in March that Iran is not actively pursuing a nuclear weapon and that Supreme Leader Khamenei has not revived the weapons program halted in 2003.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, insists on the existence of a “secret plan” by Iran to weaponize uranium, though he has not provided new evidence to support this claim.
