

Emergency Podcast: How Degraded is Iran’s Nuclear and Missile Program?
6 snips Jun 25, 2025
In this discussion, Tom Karako, Director of the Missile Threat Project at CSIS, dives into the intricacies of Iran’s nuclear and missile program. He evaluates how recent military actions have impacted Iran's capabilities and addresses the conflicting reports surrounding their degradation. The conversation highlights the danger of complacency, with the potential for Iran to regroup post-ceasefire. Karako warns of the multi-faceted threat Iran poses to U.S. security and emphasizes the urgent need for strategic clarity in dealing with its ongoing ambitions.
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Uncertain Damage and Strategic Goals
- The precise damage to Iran's nuclear and missile programs remains unclear after recent strikes.
- Strategic goals include degrading nuclear, conventional missile forces, and the Iranian regime.
Finish the Mission Fully
- If strikes did not fully degrade Iran's capabilities, consider returning to complete the mission.
- Focus on full degradation of nuclear, missile, and regime targets before declaring success.
Ceasefire Risks Iran Recovery
- A ceasefire may provide Iran a lifeline to regroup and rebuild its arsenal.
- The war pause is not equivalent to peace and could impede strategic objectives.