Energy Secretary Warns Iran Weeks Away from Weapons-Grade Uranium Despite War

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee that Iran is frighteningly close to acquiring a nuclear weapon, despite the ongoing Operation Epic Fury launched in February 2026. Wright stated that Tehran possesses approximately one ton of 60% enriched uranium, which is only weeks away from reaching weapons-grade purity (90%). Although a months-long weaponization process remains necessary, the proximity to critical enrichment levels raises severe security concerns. This development occurs nearly three months after the U.S. initiated military actions to halt Iran's nuclear progress. Previous strikes, including Operation Midnight Hammer, damaged but did not destroy key facilities near Isfahan, where much of the material is stored in fortified tunnels. Experts note that Iran retains enough fissile material for over a dozen bombs. Senior administration officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, have hinted at potential ground operations to seize or destroy these stockpiles. The war's cost has already exceeded $29 billion, reflecting intense operational expenses and equipment repairs. The situation underscores the limitations of air campaigns in fully eliminating deeply buried nuclear infrastructure.