The fate of Iran’s 400 kilograms (880 pounds) of enriched uranium, capable of producing up to nine nuclear weapons, remains unknown following U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. According to a recent USA Today article, Iran claims it moved the uranium to a secret location before the attacks, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the strikes and the future of Iran’s nuclear program.
Key Takeaways on Iran’s Enriched Uranium
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Missing Uranium Stockpile: Iran reportedly relocated 400kg of uranium enriched to 60%—close to weapons-grade—before U.S. B-2 bombers struck key nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan on June 22, 2025.
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U.S. and Israeli Intelligence: U.S. officials, including Vice President JD Vance, suggest the uranium may be “buried” or secured in undisclosed sites, while Israeli sources believe it was moved days before the strikes.
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IAEA’s Uncertainty: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) lacks information on the uranium’s whereabouts and is seeking access to inspect Iran’s nuclear sites.
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Nuclear Program Status: Despite claims of destruction, Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, including centrifuges, may remain intact, with the potential to resume enrichment.
What Happened During the U.S. Strikes?
On June 13, 2025, Israel launched preemptive airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear and military facilities, citing threats from Iran’s nuclear program. The U.S. followed with B-2 stealth bomber strikes on June 22, targeting Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. President Donald Trump claimed the strikes “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities, but doubts persist. Satellite imagery showed trucks moving materials from Fordow before the attacks, suggesting Iran anticipated the strikes and safeguarded its uranium.
David Albright, a former U.N. nuclear weapons inspector, noted, “Our understanding is that some of [the uranium stockpiles] were taken away by Iran, and we don’t know where they are.” The IAEA reported Iran had 408.6kg of 60% enriched uranium as of May 17, 2025, enough for multiple nuclear weapons if further enriched to 90%.
Iran’s Response and Nuclear Ambitions
Iranian officials, including nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami, assert that the country’s nuclear program—claimed to be peaceful—will be restored. Sources close to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told AFP that Iran still possesses enriched uranium, stating, “The game is not over.” Satellite images and intelligence suggest the uranium was moved to a secret underground site, possibly with equipment to continue enrichment.
Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Khamenei, emphasized that Iran’s “indigenous knowledge” and “political will” remain intact, hinting at the country’s ability to rebuild its nuclear capabilities. The IAEA’s Rafael Grossi confirmed that while damage occurred, Iran’s nuclear program was not destroyed, potentially set back by only a few months.
Why the Missing Uranium Matters
The unaccounted 400kg of enriched uranium poses a significant concern for global security. If Iran retains this material and the means to enrich it further, it could produce nuclear weapons within months, according to experts. The lack of transparency, coupled with Iran’s suspension of IAEA inspections during the conflict, heightens fears of clandestine nuclear activities.
What’s Next for Iran’s Nuclear Program?
The U.S. and Israel aim to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, but the survival of the uranium stockpile and potential covert enrichment sites complicates this goal. Vice President Vance emphasized that the strikes targeted Iran’s enrichment capabilities, but the missing uranium remains a “powerful bargaining chip” for future nuclear deal negotiations. The international community, led by the IAEA, is pressing for inspections to verify the uranium’s status and ensure compliance with non-proliferation agreements.
