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The Hill
6 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hill
House Democrats not convinced Iran nuclear capabilities wiped
The Big Story A House briefing from Trump administration officials on last weekend's strikes against Iranian nuclear sites has done little to mollify the concerns of Democrats, who say they were presented little evidence that the attacks will prevent Tehran from producing nuclear weapons. © Greg Nash Skeptical Democrats had gone into the briefing with two pressing questions: Did Iran pose an imminent threat to Americans, thereby justifying President Trump's move to launch the strikes without congressional approval? And did the attacks 'obliterate' Iran's capacity to make nuclear weapons, as Trump has claimed? Leaving the closed-door gathering, Democrats said they got satisfactory answers to neither question. 'I would say that that particular briefing left me with more concerns and a true lack of clarity on how we are defining the mission and the success of it,' said Rep. Katherine Clark (Mass.), the Democratic whip. Rep. Bill Foster (D-Ill.), a former nuclear physicist, said the U.S. strikes likely knocked out Iran's centrifuges and other infrastructure required to enrich uranium in the future. But there's no evidence, he said, that the attacks destroyed Iran's existing stockpiles of enriched uranium. If those are intact, he warned, Iran could still produce weapons with the strength of a Hiroshima bomb in 'a very small breakout time.' 'The goal of this mission, from the start, was to secure or destroy that material,' he said. 'That's where they're hiding the ball. And that's what we have to keep our eyes on.' Friday's House briefing came six days after Trump ordered strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites in an effort to dismantle Tehran's ability to produce nuclear weapons. The briefing was conducted by top administration officials — including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Secretary of State Marco Rubio — who had also briefed Senate lawmakers a day earlier. Trump has repeatedly said the mission was an unqualified success, 'obliterating' Iran's nuclear capacity and setting the program back by years. And the president's GOP allies in the Capitol echoed that message after the briefing. 'It is clear, everyone can see by the videos, that these massive ordinance penetrating bombs did the job,' Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said. 'I think their key facilities have been disabled, and I think Iran is now a long time away from doing what they might have done before this very successful operation.' A preliminary report from the Pentagon's Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) reached different conclusions, finding that the strikes set back Iran's nuclear program by months, rather than years. More recent statements from the CIA and Trump's head of national intelligence have disputed the DIA report, creating mixed messages from the administration about the success of the mission. Read the full report at Welcome to The Hill's Defense & National Security newsletter, I'm Ellen Mitchell — your guide to the latest developments at the Pentagon, on Capitol Hill and beyond. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here. Essential Reads How policy will affect defense and national security now and inthe future: Iran's foreign minister: Israel had to run to 'daddy' Iran 'showed the world that the Israeli regime had NO Choice but to RUN to 'Daddy' to avoid being flattened out by our missiles,' wrote Seyeb Abbas Araghchi, Iran's Foreign Minister, on X. This comes amid a back and forth between Iran and the U.S. after the supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei spoke for the first time since the U.S. strikes. 'My congratulations on our dear Iran's victory over the US regime,' … Senate blocks Iran war powers resolution The Senate blocked an effort Friday to prevent President Trump from taking future military action against Iran without authorization from Congress, less than a week after he directed strikes aimed at the country's nuclear capabilities. Senators voted 47-53 largely along party lines against the war powers resolution. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) was the lone GOP lawmaker to vote with Democrats. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), … Schiff: 'Too many unknowns' to claim 'victory' in stopping Iran nuclear weapons Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) said Friday it's 'premature' for anyone to be claiming that Iran will not try to continue its nuclear program. 'The Iranian regime had not made a decision to build a bomb, was not pursuing the mechanism of a bomb, even though it was enriching uranium,' he said in Friday comments on ABC News Live. Over the past week, there has been heavy debate over whether the U.S. strikes in Iran on June 21 … McConnell: Trump has 'some pretty rabid isolationists over at' DOD Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) took a swipe at President Trump's national security team in a rare interview as part of a recent pattern of public comments urging the president to consider military intervention in Iran and elsewhere more favorably. 'He's got some pretty rabid isolationists over at [the Department of Defense] — you could argue the vice president is in that group,' the former Senate Republican leader told Politico. … On Our Radar Upcoming things we're watching on our beat: In Other News Branch out with a different read from The Hill: Senators diverge sharply on damage done by Iran strikes after classified briefing WASHINGTON (AP) — Senators emerged from a classified briefing Thursday with sharply diverging assessments of President Donald Trump's bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites, with Republicans calling the mission a clear success and Democrats expressing deep skepticism. CIA Director John Ratcliffe, … On Tap Monday Events in and around the defense world: What We're Reading News we've flagged from other outlets: Trending Today Two key stories on The Hill right now: GOP leader sets Saturday vote on Trump 'big, beautiful bill' despite Republican pushback Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) told Senate Republicans to expect to see the legislative text of the budget reconciliation package on Friday … Read more Trump approval underwater, voters say US is on wrong track: Poll President Trump's approval rating is underwater and a majority of voters believe the country is on the wrong track, according to a poll released Friday. … Read more Opinions in The Hill Op-eds related to defense & national security submitted to The Hill: Check out The Hill's Defense page for the latest coverage. You're all caught up. See you next time! Thank you for signing up! Subscribe to more newsletters here
Daily Mail
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Opinion: Iran's 'missing' uranium and the plan to hide it
More than five days after President Donald Trump ordered unprecedented US strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, Americans are just now starting to receive the first sober analysis of the attacks. Though the assessments are not coming from the US government and, especially, not from the mainstream American media. Over the past few days, many in the press have been chasing their tails over a classified Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) report, which was disgracefully leaked by someone inside the Pentagon , Congress , or the US intel community. Such a preliminary report, probably based primarily on satellite imagery and geospatial analysis, is considered a 'low confidence' assessment, for no one can determine with any high degree of certainty the status of a clandestine nuclear facility buried deep underground from images taken from outer space. Indeed, the IAEC is an Israeli government authority, but the IAEC has every incentive to understate, not overstate, the impact of the US strikes on the underground uranium enrichment plant at Fordow – the crown jewel of the Iranian nuclear program. Their findings are supported by other Israeli intelligence agencies. Surely, the Israelis would be the first to advocate for additional strikes against Iranian nuclear targets if they believed a threat still existed. Logically, if they exaggerated the damage caused by the US attacks that would undermine their predicate for attacking Iran in the future to destroy any additional capabilities or nuclear weapons scientists. But according to the IAEC, the job is done. 'The devastating US strike on Fordow destroyed the site's critical infrastructure and rendered the enrichment facility inoperable,' read an IAEC statement released Wednesday. 'We assess that the American strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, combined with Israeli strikes on other elements of Iran's military nuclear program, has set back Iran's ability to develop nuclear weapons by many years.' That Israeli assessment, however, comes with a caveat. The IAEC noted that the devastation of the Iranian nuke program can 'continue indefinitely' if Iran 'does not get access to nuclear material.' If Tehran was stashing enriched uranium outside of the facilities at Fordow or Natanz, which were both hit by American GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator bunker buster bombs , then they may have the ability to reconstitute their program, which brings us to the latest nuclear red herring. Some in the media are raising alarm over publicly available satellite imagery that shows a line of cargo trucks parked outside Fordow in the days before the US strikes. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was pressed on this during a Pentagon news conference on Thursday. 'We're looking at all aspects of intelligence and making sure we have a sense of what was where,' he said. I'm certain that both the US and Israeli intel have been looking into this. But I have serious doubts that the Iranians would have moved nuclear material out of Fordow in the days before the strike. It's possible but it is far more likely that they were moving enrichment uranium or centrifuge parts into the heavily fortified mountain fortress. The Iranians, fearing additional Israeli attacks, would most likely have transferred any valuable materials into Fordow, knowing that the Israelis lacked the bombs capable of penetrating the rock shield around the facility and doubting that Trump would order a strike. Additionally, Tehran is well aware that Israel and the US have intelligence dominance over their entire country and would be closely monitoring the comings and goings at Fordow. Would the Iranians really have risked loading enrichment uranium into trucks only for them to be tracked and destroyed by their enemies? The idea strains credulity. Finally, it would be a massive, unimaginable intelligence failure by Israel and the US, after demonstrating extraordinary and exquisite operational skills, to simply forget to monitor a line of cargo trucks leaving Fordow. With that said, the Iranians were likely storing at least some enriched material in locations not destroyed in recent strikes. The third Iranian nuclear facility targeted in the US attack was the Isfahan site, which was hit by Tomahawk missiles, likely leaving deep tunnels intact. If material was kept there, it may still be there. That is why it is now critically important for the US to demand that Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei agree to full, transparent and verifiable nuclear disarmament as part of any ceasefire agreement. And no deal would be worth the paper that it is printed on without the threat of American and Israeli military might to enforce it. There's got to be a clear signal from President Trump that any indication that the Iranians are moving materials or rebuilding or hiding weaponization activities will result in an overwhelming US response. And if the US is not prepared to strike again, they need to give the Israelis the green light act and threaten the regime that any retaliation against Israel carries the risk of a US military response.
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 Post Record Highs on Hopes of Trade Deals
The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is up +0.33%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) is up +0.54%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is up +0.33%. September E-mini S&P futures (ESU25) are up +0.27%, and September E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQU25) are up +0.32%. Stock indexes today are extending this week's rally, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 posting new all-time highs, and the Dow Jones Industrials posting a 3-3/4 month high. Positive trade news is buoying stocks today as the US moves closer to trade deals with China and other trading partners. Stocks remained higher despite the weaker-than-expected US May personal spending and income reports, as well as the stronger-than-expected May core PCE price index. US Commerce Secretary Lutnick said that the US and China had finalized a trade understanding reached last month in Geneva, including a commitment from China to deliver rare earth materials. China's Commerce Ministry also confirmed the agreement and stated that it will review and approve eligible applications for the export of controlled items, and the US will cancel the restrictive measures taken against China. In addition, Commerce Secretary Lutnick said the White House has imminent plans to reach agreements with a set of 10 major trading partners ahead of a July 9 deadline for reciprocal tariffs. Meanwhile, the Treasury Department announced a deal with G-7 countries that will exclude US companies from some taxes imposed by other countries in exchange for removing the "revenge tax" proposal from President Trump's tax bill. US May personal spending unexpectedly fell -0.1% m/m, weaker than expectations of a +0.1% m/m increase. May personal income unexpectedly fell -0.5% m/m, weaker than expectations of +0.3% m/m and the biggest decline in more than 3-1/2 years. The US May core PCE price index, the Fed's preferred gauge of underlying inflation, rose +0.2% m/m and +2.7% y/y, stronger than expectations of +0.1% m/m and +2.6% y/y. Minneapolis Fed President Kashkari said he sees two 25-bp Fed rate cuts this year, with the first potentially in September, but warned that tariffs could have a delayed impact on inflation, and policymakers should remain flexible. The markets this week will watch to see if the ceasefire holds between Israel and Iran. Also, any new tariff news or trade deals will be scrutinized. Later today brings the June University of Michigan US consumer sentiment index, expected unchanged at 60.5. Federal funds futures prices are discounting the chances at 21% for a -25 bp rate cut at the July 29-30 FOMC meeting. Overseas stock markets today are mixed. The Euro Stoxx 50 is up +1.09%. China's Shanghai Composite closed down -0.70%. Japan's Nikkei Stock 225 climbed to a 5-month high and closed up +1.43%. Interest Rates September 10-year T-notes (ZNU25) today are down by -5 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield is up +4.3 bp to 4.285%. T-note prices are slightly lower today on some negative carryover from weakness in European government bonds. Also, positive trade news today has pushed stocks higher and reduced safe-haven demand for T-notes. In addition, the stronger-than-expected May core PCE price index, the Fed's preferred gauge of underlying inflation, is negative for T-notes. Losses in T-notes are limited due to the unexpected declines in the US May personal spending and income reports, dovish factors for Fed policy. Also, dovish comments today from Minneapolis Fed President Kashkari were supportive of T-notes when he said he sees two 25-bp Fed rate cuts this year. European government bond yields today are moving higher. The 10-year German bund yield rose to a 1-month high of 2.606% and is up +3.6 bp to 2.604%. The 10-year UK gilt yield is up +3.3 bp to 4.505%. The Eurozone Jun economic confidence survey unexpectedly fell -0.8 to 94.0, weaker than expectations of unchanged at 94.8. Swaps are discounting the chances at 7% for a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at the July 24 policy meeting. US Stock Movers Nike (NKE) is up more than +14% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrials after reporting Q4 revenue of $11.10 billion, better than the consensus of $10.72 billion, and saying it is taking steps to mitigate tariffs, including "surgical" price increases and reducing production in China. Trade Desk (TTD) is up more than +3% to lead gainers in the Nasdaq 100 after Evercore ISI upgraded the stock to outperform from in line with a price target of $90. Apogee Enterprises (APOG) is up more than +16% after raising guidance on its 2026 adjusted EPS forecast to $3.80-$4.20 from a previous forecast of $3.55-$4.10. Estee Lauder (EL) is up more than +4% after HSBC upgraded the stock to buy from hold with a price target of $99. (AMZN) is up more than +1% after BNP Paribas Exane upgraded the stock to outperform from neutral with a price target of $254. Boeing (BA) is up more than +1% after Redburn upgraded the stock to buy from neutral with a price target of $275. Gold mining stocks are under pressure today, with the price of COMEX gold falling to a 4-week low. As a result, Gold Fields Ltd (GFI) and Anglogold Ashanti Plc (AU) are down more than -5%, and Newmont (NEM) is down more than -3% to lead losers in the S&P 500. JPMorgan Chase (JPM) is down -0.45% to lead losers in the Dow Jones Industrials after Baird downgraded the stock to underperform from neutral with a price target of $235. CorMedix (CRMD) is down more than -13% after announcing it intends to offer and sell $85 million of shares of its common stock in an underwritten public offering. Uber Technologies (UBER) is down more than -2% after Canaccord Genuity downgraded the stock to hold from buy. Crowdstrike Holdings (CRWD) is down more than -1% on signs of insider selling after an SEC filing showed the company's CEO, President, CFO, and CAO sold a combined $19.9 million of shares on Monday. Earnings Reports (6/27/2025) Apogee Enterprises Inc. (APOG) and Immersion Corp (IMMR). On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on
NDTV
18 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
"It's In Your DNA": Pentagon Chief Blasts Reporter On Trump Question
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth launched a blistering attack on the media, accusing journalists of rooting against President Donald Trump and deliberately undermining the success of America's recent military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. "It's like in your DNA and in your blood to cheer against Trump because you want him not to be successful so bad," Pete Hegseth said during a tense Pentagon briefing alongside General Dan Caine. "You have to cheer against the efficacy of these strikes. You have to hope maybe they weren't effective." View this post on Instagram A post shared by C-SPAN (@cspan) The remarks came in response to media reports earlier this week citing a leaked Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) assessment. The preliminary report suggested that the strikes, while damaging, may have only set back Iran's nuclear programme by several months, a finding that stands in contrast to Trump's claim that the sites had been "obliterated." The administration did not dispute the existence of the DIA report but said that it was based on early data and described it as a "low confidence" assessment. Still, the leak led Hegseth to question the media's motives. "Maybe the way the Trump administration has represented them isn't true. So let's take half-truths, spun information, leaked information, and then spin it," he said. "Spin it in every way we can to try to cause doubt and manipulate the mind, the public mind, over whether or not our brave pilots were successful." Throughout the briefing, Pete Hegseth appeared visibly frustrated, repeatedly characterising the press as fixated on discrediting Trump-era military efforts. He criticised what he called "biased leaks to biased publications," suggesting that some reporters were more interested in scandal than substance. The defence secretary also accused the press of failing to recognise what he described as "historic moments," such as improved military recruiting numbers and increased NATO defence spending. "You're hunting for scandals all the time," he said. The Trump administration launched a forceful PR push to counter a leaked DIA report questioning the impact of US strikes on Iran. Thursday's Pentagon briefing was part of that effort, with President Trump urging viewers to "Watch it!" and claiming, without evidence, that reporters behind the leak would be fired. Pete Hegseth called it unverified and premature. "If you want to know what's going on at Fordow, you better go there and get a big shovel," Hegseth said, referring to one of the targeted Iranian nuclear sites. Asked whether Iran might have moved enriched uranium prior to the strikes, the defence secretary responded, "I'm not aware of any intelligence that I've reviewed that says things were not where they were supposed to be, moved or otherwise."
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
EU intel confirms CNN, NYT bombshell that Trump's obliteration of Iran's nuclear sites was fake
Iran uranium stockpile intact after U.S. strikes, say European officials — conflicting views deepen between Trump, CIA and Pentagon- Iran's uranium stockpile appears largely untouched following U.S. airstrikes on key nuclear sites, according to a European intelligence probe reported by the Financial Times . This finding could deepen tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and his own intelligence agencies, which are divided over how effective the strikes really were. What did EU intelligence confirm about Trump's Iran strike? European officials have now backed the internal U.S. intelligence leak — originally reported by CNN and the NYT — stating that the 2025 U.S. military strike on Iran's nuclear program only caused temporary setbacks, not the 'obliteration' President Trump announced. According to the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) assessment, the Iranian nuclear program was delayed by just a few months, not years. That report was leaked weeks ago, prompting a storm of controversy — now validated by EU sources. Was Iran's enriched uranium moved before the U.S. strikes? European officials, citing early intelligence, say Iran's 408 kilograms of uranium enriched near weapons-grade levels were not stored at the Fordow facility during the June 21 U.S. strikes. The uranium might have been moved beforehand, a move that could mean Iran's nuclear capability remains largely intact despite the heavy bombing campaign. However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt rejected this notion outright. 'We were watching closely and there was no indication to the United States that any of that enriched uranium was moved,' she said on Thursday. Live Events How does Trump view the outcome of the Iran nuclear strikes? President Trump has repeatedly claimed the strikes were a 'spectacular military success.' At the NATO Summit in the Netherlands on June 25, he even compared the impact to the atomic bombings of World War II. 'It's destroyed,' Trump said about Iran's nuclear program. Yet, not all in Washington agree with his assessment. CIA Director John Ratcliffe stated that while the operation caused 'severe damage,' it may take years to rebuild some facilities. Still, he did not go as far as to fully back Trump's sweeping declaration. Why is Trump calling the reports fake? Trump and his senior advisers have slammed the DIA leak, branding it 'fake news' and accusing the intelligence community of undermining his national security legacy. Trump maintains that the strike completely wiped out Iran's nuclear capabilities, calling it the 'single most successful deterrent strike in modern history.' What does the Pentagon say about the nuclear facilities? A report by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), first cited by CNN , contradicted Trump's version. The assessment, based on 96 hours of intercepted communications and satellite imagery, found that key components of Iran's nuclear program, including centrifuges and uranium stockpiles, survived the attack. The DIA believes the U.S. operation set Iran's nuclear progress back by 6 to 12 months—not permanently. Some parts of the report are labeled "low confidence," prompting skepticism within the Trump administration. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, however, claimed, 'Our bombing campaign obliterated Iran's ability to create nuclear weapons.' What did the strikes target and what's the damage? On June 21, the U.S. launched airstrikes on three major Iranian nuclear sites: Fordow: Located under a mountain near Qom, this site was hit with 14,000-kg bunker-busting bombs from stealth bombers. The entrance collapsed, and key infrastructure was damaged. But U.S. intelligence noted that the core facility was not entirely destroyed. Natanz: Another critical uranium enrichment site, reportedly struck hard, though full damage assessments are still pending. Isfahan: This location, which houses the main uranium conversion plant, was attacked by submarine-launched cruise missiles. Early reports suggest severe surface damage, but again, uncertainty remains over what lies beneath. Air Force General Dan Caine said assessments would take time, especially at deeply buried facilities like Fordow and Natanz. How did Iran and Israel respond to the U.S. strikes? Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed the U.S. strike as exaggerated. 'They could not achieve anything significant,' he said during a video address following a ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel that ended a 12-day conflict. Meanwhile, Israel backed Trump's narrative, with its Atomic Energy Commission stating the Fordow facility was made 'inoperable' by U.S. and Israeli strikes. The IAEC reported that the site's 'critical infrastructure' had been destroyed and claimed the attack was 'devastating.' Israel's military also said it bombed potential exit routes to prevent Iran from relocating any nuclear material before the strikes. Is Iran's nuclear threat truly delayed or just disrupted? Despite Trump's confidence, the disagreement among intelligence communities is stark. While European and Pentagon assessments stress that parts of Iran's nuclear capacity are still operational, Trump and Israeli officials argue otherwise. David Albright of the Institute for Science and International Security called the DIA's report 'hard to believe,' suggesting both Fordow and Natanz were likely destroyed or knocked out of operation. The institute also stated that Isfahan's tunnel entrances had collapsed, blocking access. Could the U.S. strike Iran again? Despite the conflicting reports, U.S. military officials have made it clear: 'All options remain on the table.' If Iran restarts full-scale uranium enrichment or retaliates militarily, the Biden-Trump administration is prepared to strike again. Here's what's being discussed: Contingency plans are active , including cyberwarfare and targeted precision bombings. Vice President JD Vance warned that any Iranian retaliation would be met with 'overwhelming force.' Trump hasn't ruled out diplomacy either — hinting at potential 'renewed talks' if Iran backs down. Still, the central question remains: did the U.S. strikes truly dismantle Iran's path to a nuclear weapon, or merely delay it? Only time—and clearer intelligence—will tell. FAQs: Q1: Is Iran's uranium stockpile still intact after the U.S. attack? Yes, European officials say most of Iran's enriched uranium is still intact after the strikes. Q2: Did Trump exaggerate the success of the Iran nuclear strikes? Trump called it a total success, but U.S. intelligence reports suggest only partial damage was done.
