As Israel and Iran maintain a fragile cease-fire, President Trump contradicts U.S. intelligence assessments that state American strikes barely hindered Iran’s nuclear program. Both nations claim victory in the prolonged conflict, raising concerns over potential retaliation and future negotiations surrounding Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Tensions Resurface as Trump Questions U.S. Findings on Iran's Nuclear Program
Tensions Resurface as Trump Questions U.S. Findings on Iran's Nuclear Program
In the wake of a tenuous cease-fire between Israel and Iran, President Trump dismisses a U.S. intelligence report indicating minimal setbacks to Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
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Current time in Jerusalem: 3:26 p.m. June 25 | Tehran: 3:56 p.m. June 25 | Live Updated: June 25, 2025, 8:17 a.m. ET
The cease-fire between Israel and Iran has entered its second day, yet political tensions linger as President Trump challenges a preliminary classified U.S. intelligence report suggesting that the recent military actions against Iran did little to impact its nuclear ambitions.
Reported from Tehran, both Israelis and Iranians began taking steps toward normalization of life, aligning with a cease-fire deal that concluded a harsh 12-day conflict initiated by Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. This military campaign was also marked by a barrage of Iranian ballistic missile retaliation and U.S. involvement.
At a NATO summit in the Netherlands, President Trump branded the classified assessment from the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency as “very inconclusive” and reiterated his stance that Iran's nuclear program has been effectively “obliterated.” He notably refuted statements made by the U.N.’s nuclear watchdog regarding Iran potentially relocating enriched uranium from its facilities before the strikes.
Israeli officials proclaimed their military efforts severely delayed Iran’s nuclear timeline for years, a stark contrast to the U.S. report indicating only a few months of setback. Amid dramatic military exchanges, both nations declared victory — signaling an end to the hostilities that erupted on June 13.
In Israel, a return to normalcy included the resumption of flights at Ben Gurion Airport and the reopening of schools, previously shuttered due to the conflict. Meanwhile, in Tehran, rallies showcasing support for the Iranian military indicated a united front at home.
However, both countries faced immediate challenges following the cease-fire. Fears arose regarding potential Iranian missile launches, although Iran denied such claims. This military conflict reignited past concerns about broader implications for Iran's nuclear development strategy, as Trump’s administration simultaneously delayed briefings for Congress regarding the military operations, raising further scrutiny.
Trump’s claims of obliteration of Iran’s nuclear capabilities echoed sentiment among Israeli officials while stirring skepticism about the effectiveness of the U.S. military actions from independent observers. Additionally, there were fears articulated by lawmakers that tactical approaches like these could push countries towards seeking nuclear capabilities as a means of protection against perceived aggression.
On the political front, Democratic leaders expressed outrage over the delay in providing Congress with vital information regarding the strikes, emphasizing the constitutional requirement for presidential notification post-military action. Despite the bipartisan nature of prior support on military engagement, divisions remain regarding oversight and the implications of such engagements on national security and foreign policy.
As the cease-fire holds, anticipation builds about the future of negotiations surrounding Iran’s nuclear developments and the potential for escalations in the broader Middle East conflict. The situation remains volatile as the international community looks on, awaiting clarity on both diplomatic resolutions and military determinations.
Current time in Jerusalem: 3:26 p.m. June 25 | Tehran: 3:56 p.m. June 25 | Live Updated: June 25, 2025, 8:17 a.m. ET
The cease-fire between Israel and Iran has entered its second day, yet political tensions linger as President Trump challenges a preliminary classified U.S. intelligence report suggesting that the recent military actions against Iran did little to impact its nuclear ambitions.
Reported from Tehran, both Israelis and Iranians began taking steps toward normalization of life, aligning with a cease-fire deal that concluded a harsh 12-day conflict initiated by Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. This military campaign was also marked by a barrage of Iranian ballistic missile retaliation and U.S. involvement.
At a NATO summit in the Netherlands, President Trump branded the classified assessment from the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency as “very inconclusive” and reiterated his stance that Iran's nuclear program has been effectively “obliterated.” He notably refuted statements made by the U.N.’s nuclear watchdog regarding Iran potentially relocating enriched uranium from its facilities before the strikes.
Israeli officials proclaimed their military efforts severely delayed Iran’s nuclear timeline for years, a stark contrast to the U.S. report indicating only a few months of setback. Amid dramatic military exchanges, both nations declared victory — signaling an end to the hostilities that erupted on June 13.
In Israel, a return to normalcy included the resumption of flights at Ben Gurion Airport and the reopening of schools, previously shuttered due to the conflict. Meanwhile, in Tehran, rallies showcasing support for the Iranian military indicated a united front at home.
However, both countries faced immediate challenges following the cease-fire. Fears arose regarding potential Iranian missile launches, although Iran denied such claims. This military conflict reignited past concerns about broader implications for Iran's nuclear development strategy, as Trump’s administration simultaneously delayed briefings for Congress regarding the military operations, raising further scrutiny.
Trump’s claims of obliteration of Iran’s nuclear capabilities echoed sentiment among Israeli officials while stirring skepticism about the effectiveness of the U.S. military actions from independent observers. Additionally, there were fears articulated by lawmakers that tactical approaches like these could push countries towards seeking nuclear capabilities as a means of protection against perceived aggression.
On the political front, Democratic leaders expressed outrage over the delay in providing Congress with vital information regarding the strikes, emphasizing the constitutional requirement for presidential notification post-military action. Despite the bipartisan nature of prior support on military engagement, divisions remain regarding oversight and the implications of such engagements on national security and foreign policy.
As the cease-fire holds, anticipation builds about the future of negotiations surrounding Iran’s nuclear developments and the potential for escalations in the broader Middle East conflict. The situation remains volatile as the international community looks on, awaiting clarity on both diplomatic resolutions and military determinations.
