Energy Secretary Warns Iran Weeks Away from Weapons-Grade Uranium

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee that Iran is frighteningly close to acquiring a nuclear weapon, despite ongoing U.S. military interventions including Operation Epic Fury. Wright stated that Iran possesses sufficient uranium stockpiles to enrich material to weapons-grade levels within a small number of weeks, although the subsequent weaponization process would take months. Approximately one ton of Iran's 60% enriched uranium is near the threshold, with another 11 tons at 20% purity also posing a significant risk. This warning comes nearly three months after the U.S. launched air campaigns, such as Operation Midnight Hammer, which damaged but did not destroy Iran's fortified nuclear facilities near Isfahan. While the Trump administration cites the imminent threat as justification for continued military pressure and potential ground operations to seize stockpiles, experts note that Iran has likely retained enough material to build over a dozen nuclear bombs. The situation remains tense as U.S. officials debate further direct action to neutralize the perceived threat.