U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed that recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran had significantly damaged Tehran’s nuclear program, crediting them with helping to end the 12-day war between Israel and Iran. Speaking at a NATO summit in The Hague, Trump described the strikes as “obliteration” and suggested they had pushed Iran to seek recovery rather than confrontation.
Trump said he would likely seek a commitment from Iran to halt its nuclear ambitions during talks planned for next week, but downplayed the need for a formal agreement, stating, “To me, I don’t think it’s that necessary.”
The U.S. CIA and Israel’s nuclear agency both assessed that Iran’s nuclear capabilities had suffered a major setback, though some reports suggest the damage may only delay Iran’s program by months.
In Iran and Israel, citizens expressed relief and fatigue after the intense conflict, which saw over 600 Iranians and 28 Israelis killed. Iranian officials claimed the war strengthened public unity, and President Masoud Pezeshkian hinted it could pave the way for domestic reforms.
Despite the ceasefire, Iran’s government is tightening control. Authorities executed three men accused of spying for Israel’s Mossad, and 700 others have been arrested for alleged collaboration.
Although both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously suggested regime change in Iran, Trump has since said he does not support such a move, emphasizing stability over chaos.
Meanwhile, UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi warned that technical damage alone is not enough, urging a return of international inspectors to fully assess Iran’s nuclear program and ensure long-term solutions.
