The new assessment contrasted with U.N. agency view that Iran could resume enriching uranium in a “matter of months.”

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 arrests have raised fears that a new wave of repression is coming, as the government seeks to root out spy networks and clamp down on any dissent.

Rear Adm. Ali Shamkhani was seen struggling to walk with a cane at a funeral procession this weekend for military commanders killed in the 12-day war.