Despite President Trump’s bold claims about destroying Iran’s nuclear program, U.S. and allied officials say they do not know what happened to Iran’s near-bomb-grade uranium stockpile.
A day after President Trump declared Iran’s nuclear program “completely and totally obliterated,” U.S. officials admitted they are unsure what happened to Iran’s near-bomb-grade uranium. Vice President JD Vance told ABC’s This Week: “We are going to work… to ensure that we do something with that fuel… one of the things that we’re going to have conversations with the Iranians about.”
But Iran has dismissed dialogue, accusing the U.S. of deception. Satellite images show Iran likely moved about 400kg of 60%-enriched uranium before the strike. International Atomic Energy Agency head Rafael Grossi confirmed, “I do,” when asked if the fuel had been relocated.
While U.S. strikes caused major damage at Fordo and Natanz, Iran’s nuclear infrastructure remains partially intact. Analysts warn Tehran could rebuild, as it has in the past. Grossi and others stress diplomacy has historically been more effective than force, and with Iran stonewalling inspectors, the true status of its nuclear program remains unclear.