US Intel: Air Campaign Fails to Delay Iran's Nuclear Breakout Timeline

A recent US intelligence assessment reveals that the intensive aerial campaign conducted by US and Israeli forces has failed to alter Iran's nuclear weapon breakout timeline since last summer. Despite expending over 20,000 munitions during a 38-day operation, the strikes did not significantly degrade Iran's core enrichment capabilities. Analysts suggest that the resilient and deeply buried nuclear infrastructure has withstood the bombardment, presenting a strategic dilemma for Washington and Tel Aviv. The report indicates that impeding the program may now necessitate the physical destruction or removal of the remaining highly enriched uranium stockpile. These findings raise the risk of further military escalation or a potential shift toward ground operations to secure sensitive nuclear materials. With the breakout timeline still estimated at up to one year, the effectiveness of air power alone in neutralizing Iran's nuclear ambitions is being fundamentally questioned.