The Washington Post reported new, leaked information from anonymous U.S. officials related to the recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran. According to the report, the U.S. intercepted phone calls between Iranian leaders who downplayed the damage.
Intercepted calls claim limited damage at nuclear facilities
The intercepted communications reportedly show Iranian officials expressing doubts that the airstrikes caused serious damage. The calls, cited by four anonymous sources speaking to The Post, reveal the Iranian leaders said the strikes were “less devastating than they had expected.”
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This follows a previous leak, on June 24, of a preliminary Defense Intelligence Agency assessment that similarly suggested damage from the U.S. strikes was not as thorough as first reported by the White House. That report indicated Iran’s nuclear ambitions may have been delayed by only a few months. Officials said the assessment could change as more intelligence is gathered.
White House denounces leak, defends strike’s impact
The White House responded by condemning the release of classified intelligence to the media and pushing back on the claim that the operation failed to deliver a significant blow to Iran’s nuclear program.
“It’s shameful that The Washington Post is helping people commit felonies by publishing out-of-context leaks,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told The Post. “The notion that unnamed Iranian officials know what happened under hundreds of feet of rubble is nonsense. Their nuclear weapons program is over.”
Investigation underway, Trump suggests media pressure
The Pentagon and FBI have both confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine who leaked the preliminary intelligence assessment.
Over the weekend, President Donald Trump told Fox News that investigators may soon pressure journalists directly to identify their sources.
“They could find out if they wanted,” Trump said of investigators. “They could find out easily.”
Trump says investigators could soon ask reporters directly and said, “I suspect we’ll be doing things like that.”
Intelligence conflicts on airstrikes’ effectiveness
As for the effectiveness of the airstrikes, assessments remain conflicting.
While the preliminary DIA assessment and the intercepted Iranian calls suggest limited damage, other reports — including from the CIA, Israeli Defense Forces and international nuclear watchdogs — point to extensive destruction at Iranian nuclear sites. Straight Arrow News’ Ryan Robertson released a new report featuring an interview with a retired Air Force lieutenant general who discussed conflicting intelligence, suggesting it may take months before a full picture emerges of what was damaged beneath the rubble.
