Pentagon reports Iran's nuclear facilities were "completely obliterated" in June strikes, offering a more optimistic assessment than earlier estimates while Iran acknowledges damage.

WASHINGTON, July 2 (Reuters) - The Pentagon said on Wednesday that U.S. strikes 10 days ago had degraded Iran's nuclear program by up to two years, suggesting the U.S. military operation likely achieved its goals despite a far more cautious initial assessment that leaked to the public.

The Pentagon on Wednesday sharpened its assessment of Iran's nuclear program, declaring that Iran's ability to build a nuclear weapon following the U.S. strike on its nuclear facilities is "closer to two years" away.

The Trump administration's decision to halt the delivery of some weapons to Ukraine, citing a Pentagon review of its dwindling stockpiles, was a long-held concern for Kyiv that finally became a reality.

The move "was made to put America’s interests first," a White House spokeswoman said, as U.S. munitions have been depleted in recent years.

The Pentagon came under criticism Wednesday for its decision to halt sending air defense missiles to Ukraine, with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle arguing that move was shortsighted at a time when Russia has ramped up its missile and drone barrages.