US and Israeli military actions against Iran's nuclear infrastructure in 2025 and 2026 have set back, but not dismantled, Tehran's nuclear programme.
Experts and intelligence assessments suggest that while infrastructure has been damaged, core capabilities remain intact.
The first major wave came in June 2025, when Israel launched strikes on key nuclear and military facilities.
This was followed by US action targeting additional infrastructure linked to enrichment and weaponisation pathways.
According to a July 2025 analysis by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the initial strikes "significantly disrupted" Iran's nuclear programme but did not destroy key facilities.
Sites tied to uranium enrichment and conversion, including Natanz and Isfahan, were hit, though underground sections likely survived.
Subsequent strikes in 2026 appear to have added to the damage, but analysts say they have not fundamentally altered Iran's ability to rebuild its programme.
A major unresolved issue is the status of Iran's enriched uranium.
Before the 2025 strikes, Tehran had accumulated around 400 kg of uranium enriched to 60%, close to weapons-grade.
The IISS reported that inspectors lost visibility of this stockpile during the conflict, with indications it may have been relocated.
If preserved, this material remains a key factor in determining how quickly Iran could move toward weapons capability.
A shift toward hardened, hidden facilities has been observed, with Iran adapting its approach by fortifying and concealing its nuclear assets.
Rebuilding efforts are already underway, with ongoing engineering work, debris clearance, and attempts to restore damaged infrastructure.
Analysts say that while sanctions, economic strain and supply chain disruptions may slow progress, Iran retains the technical expertise needed to gradually rebuild.
Internal debate over building a bomb is also underway, with hardliners calling for the country to pursue a nuclear weapon and reconsider its commitments under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
