In a rare move, CIA Director John Ratcliffe publicly defended President Trump’s recent military action against Iran, asserting that the bombing campaign caused significant and long-term damage to Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities. Ratcliffe, typically reserved on such matters, cited “credible intelligence” confirming that several major nuclear sites were destroyed and would take years to rebuild. He noted that the CIA is working with Israeli intelligence and long-trusted sources to verify the full scope of the damage. Israeli reports also support this conclusion, estimating a two-year setback in Iran’s nuclear capabilities. This contradicts claims by outlets like CNN and The New York Times, which had questioned the strike’s effectiveness, and strengthens Trump’s narrative amid divided opinions within his base.

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard echoed Ratcliffe’s conclusions, stating that facilities at Natanz, Fordow, and Esfahan were destroyed, and criticizing the media for misrepresenting intelligence findings. She accused the press of selectively leaking classified data and omitting key qualifiers, including confidence levels. Gabbard and Ratcliffe emphasized their agencies’ commitment to transparency and stated that assessments are ongoing. Their rare public alignment signals a consolidated stance within the U.S. intelligence community in support of the administration’s portrayal of the mission as a historic and strategic win, pushing back strongly against skeptical media narratives.