Washington: CIA Director John Ratcliffe briefed Congress on intelligence regarding the effectiveness of the recent US military strikes on Iran’s nuclear program.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Ratcliffe informed lawmakers in his briefing that the strikes destroyed Iran’s only metal conversion facility, a key component for building a nuclear weapon core. He stressed: “This damage represents a major setback to the Iranian nuclear program, and it will take years to overcome.”

The CIA’s assessment, based on “credible intelligence,” confirmed that several key Iranian nuclear facilities have been destroyed. Ratcliffe also stated that the vast majority of Iran’s enriched uranium is likely still buried in the damaged facilities at Isfahan and Fordow.

These briefings took place amid debate about the extent of the damage caused by the strikes, with some initial intelligence assessments indicating a less significant impact than claimed by the Trump administration. Ratcliffe’s statement was part of the Trump administration’s efforts to dispel doubts about the strikes’ success. Other officials, such as Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have also confirmed the assessment of the severe damage to Iran’s nuclear program.

“It’s been wiped out like never before,” Trump said Sunday in an interview on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures.” He added, “This means the end of their nuclear ambitions, at least for a while.”