
US strikes on nuclear sites pushed Iran's atomic program by up to two years, Pentagon says
Published 3 Jul 2025, 01:34 AM IST US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites jeopardized atomic program for atleast two years, says The Pentagon(AFP)
The Pentagon has claimed that the United States' strike on Iran's nuclear sites recently has jeopardized Iranian atomic program plans by at least two years, according to an AP report. The US intelligence assessment received by the Pentagon suggests that the ongoing Iranian nuclear programs have now degraded by one to two years after the US strikes. This new development comes in amid the Israel-Iran conflict that the entire world currently has eyes on.
"We have degraded their program by one to two years at least -- intel assessments inside the (Defense) Department assess that," Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell was quoted as telling journalists.
Parnell later added, "We're thinking probably closer to two years."

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News18
20 minutes ago
- News18
24,696 KMPH Speed, 2,500KM Range: India's Bunker Buster To Smash Targets 100m Underground
Last Updated: The bunker buster variant of Agni-5 is being modified to penetrate 80–100m underground, carrying a heavier warhead and traveling at hypersonic speeds of 8 to 24 Mach India is developing an advanced indigenous bunker buster missile system, taking cues from a recent US military operation that significantly impacted Iran's nuclear infrastructure. Inspired by the successful use of a 14,000 kg bunker buster bomb by a US B-2 Spirit stealth bomber during the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict, India aims to enhance its strategic capabilities to counter potential threats from Pakistan, which has often issued nuclear attack warnings. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has initiated a project to develop a state-of-the-art bunker buster system, which is expected to be one of the most potent and effective in the world. Although no specific timeline has been provided, the project has already commenced, raising concerns for neighbouring China and Pakistan. Both countries, rich in nuclear weapons, share borders with India, Pakistan to the west and China to the east and north. India demonstrated its military prowess during Operation Sindoor, attacking 11 Pakistani airbases with Su-30MKI fighter jets, including the strategically vital Noor Khan airbase near Pakistan's nuclear base at Kirana Hills. This operation highlighted India's capability but also underscored the need for a bunker buster system. DRDO's Bunker Buster Project DRDO is developing a missile-based bunker buster solution by modifying the Agni-5 intercontinental ballistic missile, instead of building a bomb like the one used by the US. According to reports, the Agni-5, which has a range of over 5,500 kilometres, will see its range reduced under this plan. However, its conventional warhead capacity will be significantly enhanced to carry sufficient ordnance capable of destroying deeply buried targets. The bunker buster variant of the Agni-5 missile is being adapted to penetrate 80 to 100 meters underground, with a significantly enhanced conventional warhead payload capacity. This missile will travel at hypersonic speeds of 8 to 24 Mach, ensuring it can effectively destroy deeply buried military bases or nuclear weapons depots. The bunker buster version of the Agni-5 missile will strike enemy targets at speeds ranging from 9,878 to 24,696 kilometres per hour. It is capable of carrying a heavy payload of 7,500 to 8,000 kilograms. Due to this increased payload capacity, its range will be reduced to around 2,500 kilometres—enough to reach and destroy fortified underground targets. Why A Missile-Based Bunker Buster, Not A Bomb? US dropped GBU-57 bunker buster bombs on Iran's nuclear sites using the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. The bomb is reported to weigh around 1,400 kg. While the US opted for bombs in its bunker buster strategy, India is developing bunker buster missiles instead. The primary reason is cost. A single B-2 Spirit stealth bomber costs $2 billion (approximately Rs 17,086 crore). In addition, India does not currently possess the technology to manufacture stealth jets. The cost of one GBU-57 bunker buster bomb is $20 million (about Rs 170 crore). Together, the high cost of the bomber and the bomb, along with the lack of stealth jet production capability, make this approach unviable for India. In contrast, India has significant expertise in missile technology, making the development of bunker buster missiles a more practical and cost-effective option.
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First Post
35 minutes ago
- First Post
As Trump emboldens Putin again, Russia hits Ukraine with largest air attack
Days after US President Donald Trump emboldened Vladimir Putin by blocking weapons' supplies to Ukraine, Russia launched the largest aerial attack with 550 missiles and drones. Trump said that no progress was made about ending the war in a phone call with Putin yesterday. read more Flames and smoke billow from buildings during mass Russian drones and missile strikes on the Ukraine's capital Kyiv on July 4, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo: OLEKSII FILIPPOV/AFP) Days after US President Donald Trump emboldened Russia again by stopping the supply of weapons to Ukraine, Russia launched the largest aerial attack of the war so far with 550 missiles and drones. Kyiv's skyline erupted in fireballs and clouds of smoke as Russian projectiles hammered the city. The Russian barrage came hours after Trump spoke to Russian leader Vladimir Putin on phone. Trump said that they 'didn't make any progress' about ending the conflict over the call. However, Putin certainly got the message that he was free to attack Ukraine at will. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The overnight barrage followed a monthslong pattern: Trump first cuts supplies to Ukraine that have already been approved and trashes Ukraine. Then Putin launches massive attacks on Ukraine and gains leverage on the battlefield as a result of Trump depriving Ukraine of even defensive weapons. The Kremlin's readout demonstrated how emboldened Russia stood after getting a shot in the arm from Trump. It said that 'Russia will not back down' unless 'root causes' were eliminated. 'Root causes' is a euphemism for Putin's maximalist demands, such as the recognition of all Ukrainian provinces in their entirety that Russia has annexed and other territories that it controls; the ouster of Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the President of Ukraine and the ouster of his administration; amendment of the Ukrainian constitution to put limits on its military in a Versailles-like treaty, include Russian in the nation's cultural affairs, and rule out its membership of Nato; put limits on foreign military partnerships of Ukraine; etc. The implementation of such terms would mean the end of Ukraine as a sovereign nation. Russia makes most of Trump's decision — again For months, Russia has attacked Ukraine with hundreds of missiles and drones on a near-daily basis and Ukraine has sought to buy US-made air defence systems. Earlier this week, instead of clearing such sales, the Trump administration blocked the supply of air defence systems and other weapons that had already been cleared. Trump trashed Ukraine on Thursday and said 'We've given so many weapons' to Ukraine. Russia was quick to grasp the message and respond by ramping up the aerial campaign. Ukraine said Russia launched 539 drones and 11 ballistic missiles overnight in the largest aerial attack of the war. Earlier this year, when Trump suspended military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine after ambushing Zelenskyy at the White House, Russia had responded with a renewed counter-offensive in Kursk region and driving out Ukrainian forces from there. Ukraine's incursion of Kursk was a significant achievement and its occupation of the region was seen as a critical leverage in negotiations where Kursk could be exchanged in lieu of Russia-occupied Ukrainian territory. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Thanks to Trump, however, Ukraine lost that leverage as Russia retook nearly all of Kursk from Ukraine after making the most of the suspension of intelligence-sharing and military supplies. In the overnight attack, Zelenskyy said that at least 23 people were injured. Russia has largely targeted civilians and critical infrastructure in its escalating attacks. A United Nations (UN) report this month said that Ukrainian civilian casualties in Russian airstrikes rose by 50 per cent between January and June. Trump expected to speak to Zelenskyy today After a call with Russia, Trump is expected to speak to Zelenskyy on Friday. If his past behaviour is any guide, Trump would likely push Zelenskyy to accept Putin's terms and wrap the conflict irrespective of the consequences for his nation. On his part, Zelenskyy would likely call for the resumption of military supplies and reiterate the call for the purchase of Patriot air defence systems. He would also likely press Trump to toughen up on Putin. Even as Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with Putin, he has not done anything to put pressure on him. Instead, he has rewarded him at every step by accepting his terms and punishing Ukraine — the defender. He has neither imposed new sanctions on Russia nor ramp up military supplies to Ukraine as he had threatened in the past. Instead, he has slammed Zelenskyy as a warmonger over request to buy air defence systems. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD


New Indian Express
35 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
Russia becomes first country to formally recognise Taliban-led Afghanistan government
KABUL: Afghanistan's government said on Thursday that Russia had become the first country to officially recognise its rule, calling it a "brave decision." The Taliban swept back to power in 2021 after ousting the foreign-backed government and have imposed an austere version of Islamic law. They have keenly sought official international recognition and investment, as the country recovers from four decades of war, including the Soviet invasion from 1979 to 1989. The announcement was made after Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met with Russia's ambassador to Afghanistan, Dmitry Zhirnov, in Kabul on Thursday. "This brave decision will be an example for others... Now that the process of recognition has started, Russia was ahead of everyone," Muttaqi said in a video of the meeting on X. "Russia is the first country which has officially recognised the Islamic Emirate," Taliban foreign ministry spokesman Zia Ahmad Takal told AFP, using the government's name for their administration. Muttaqi said it was "a new phase of positive relations, mutual respect, and constructive engagement", the foreign ministry posted on X. Russia's foreign ministry added on Telegram: "We believe that the act of official recognition of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will boost the development of productive bilateral cooperation between our countries in several areas." It highlighted potential "commercial and economic" cooperation in "energy, transportation, agriculture and infrastructure." The ministry said that Moscow hoped to continue helping Kabul "reinforce regional security and fight against the threats of terrorism and drug-trafficking."