UPDATE - Iran's nuclear program 'degraded' by 1 - 2 years: Pentagon

​​​​​​​ADDS INFO

​​​​​​​By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - Iran's nuclear program was "degraded" by one to two years during recent US airstrikes, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said Wednesday.

"We have degraded their program by one to two years. At least, intel assessments inside the department assess that.

"We're thinking probably closer to two years, like degraded their program by two years," Parnell told reporters.

The US assessment on the damage of three key Iranian nuclear facilities remains "unchanged," said Parnell.

He added that the sites were "completely obliterated."

The US dropped six bunker-buster bombs on the Fordo nuclear facility on June 22 and launched dozens of submarine-based cruise missile attacks on two other sites in Natanz and Isfahan as part of its campaign against Iran’s nuclear program.

A sixth round of talks between the US and Iran was scheduled June 15, but Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian military, nuclear, and civilian sites June 13.

The 12‑day conflict between Israel and Iran ended with a US-sponsored ceasefire that took effect June 24.

"We believe that Iran's nuclear capability has been severely degraded, perhaps even their ambition to build a bomb," said Parnell.

He added that assessments are "ongoing."