Washington: The Pentagon announced that recent U.S. strikes on three significant Iranian nuclear facilities have delayed Tehran's nuclear program by as much as two years. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell shared these developments during a press briefing, highlighting the impact of the strikes conducted on June 22.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the U.S. military targeted the Iranian nuclear sites at Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. Parnell emphasized that intelligence assessments within the department indicate substantial degradation of Iran's nuclear capabilities. He further mentioned that the facilities in question have suffered extensive damage.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, in an interview with CBS News, stated that the Fordow facility, in particular, experienced severe damage, although the full extent remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Iran's Atomic Energy Organization is currently evaluating the damage caused by the strikes.

In the wake of these developments, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered the suspension of Iran's cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The new legislation mandates that any future inspections of Iran's nuclear sites by the IAEA require approval from the Supreme National Security Council, as explained by Constitutional Council Spokesman Hadi Tahan Nazif.

The IAEA has acknowledged these reports and is awaiting further official communication from Iran regarding its decision. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's chief spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, expressed concern over Iran's decision, stressing the importance of cooperation with the IAEA.

U.S. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce labeled Iran's suspension of cooperation with the IAEA as "unacceptable." She urged Iran to seize the opportunity to engage with the UN agency and work towards peace and prosperity.