Energy Secretary Warns Iran Weeks Away from Weapons-Grade Uranium Despite US Military Operations

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee that Iran is frighteningly close to acquiring a nuclear weapon, estimating it is only weeks away from enriching its uranium stockpile to weapons-grade levels. This warning comes nearly three months after the United States launched Operation Epic Fury, a military campaign intended to halt Iran's nuclear progress. Although previous airstrikes, including Operation Midnight Hammer, severely damaged Iranian facilities, intelligence assessments indicate they were not completely destroyed. Iran currently possesses approximately 12 tons of uranium, with about one ton at 60% purity, which Wright noted is significantly closer to the 90% weapons-grade threshold than raw material. While Tehran insists its nuclear program is peaceful, US officials remain skeptical. Experts suggest Iran retains enough material for over a dozen bombs and could weaponize quickly if it chooses. The Trump administration has cited this imminent threat to justify ongoing military actions, with senior officials discussing potential ground operations to seize nuclear stockpiles. Meanwhile, the cost of the conflict has exceeded $29 billion, reflecting ongoing operational and repair expenses.