Anderson Cooper 360 Israeli Assessment: U.S. Strikes Damaged Ford Less Than Expected
Jun 25, 2025
Mark Kelly, a Senator from Arizona and former naval aviator, joins to examine the impact of recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran's nuclear program. He reveals surprising preliminary assessments suggesting less damage than initially claimed. The discussion also touches on the urgent need for transparency regarding military actions and the political fallout from them. Personal stories from families affected by the conflict add a poignant layer, highlighting the emotional stakes in the Israel-Hamas conflict and the complexities of negotiating for hostages.
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Early Assessment Challenges Damage Claims
- The early Defense Intelligence Agency assessment suggests U.S. airstrikes did far less damage to Iran's nuclear program than initially claimed.
- Iran's enriched uranium stockpile and centrifuges at Fordow largely survived, setting back the program only by a few months.
Damage Assessments Take Time
- Battle damage assessments progress through phases and require time, involving multiple intelligence agencies.
- Early reports like DIA's have low confidence; comprehensive conclusions take weeks with fused intelligence.
Destroying Underground Targets Is Hard
- Immediate claims of 'obliteration' by President Trump and Secretary of Defense appear premature and not supported by detailed intelligence analysis.
- Destroying deeply buried nuclear targets is difficult, requiring thorough analysis and careful planning.