Iran Nuclear Program Set Back but Not Eliminated After US-Israel Strikes
Recent military attacks by the United States and Israel have significantly damaged Iran's nuclear and ballistic capabilities, setting back its potential to develop a nuclear weapon. However, experts and diplomatic sources indicate that the program has not been completely wiped out. A critical issue remains the status of Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium, which was not seized during the conflict. Prior to the June 2025 strikes, Iran possessed approximately 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent. Intelligence suggests that significant quantities remain buried in underground tunnels at facilities in Isfahan and Fordow. While Israeli officials claim the program is destroyed, European diplomats caution that the setback may be measured in months rather than years. The elimination of key scientists and data centers has undermined Tehran's know-how, but reconstitution is possible with time and resources. Russia has proposed accepting the enriched uranium as part of potential peace negotiations. The International Atomic Energy Agency continues to demand access to verify the status of the remaining materials, which are central to any future diplomatic agreements between Washington and Tehran.
Wire timeline
Iran Nuclear Program Set Back but Not Eliminated After US-Israel Strikes
Recent military attacks by the United States and Israel have significantly damaged Iran's nuclear and ballistic capabilities, setting back its potential to develop a nuclear weapon. However, experts and diplomatic sources indicate that the program has not been completely wiped out. A critical issue remains the status of Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium, which was not seized during the conflict. Prior to the June 2025 strikes, Iran possessed approximately 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent. Intelligence suggests that significant quantities remain buried in underground tunnels at facilities in Isfahan and Fordow. While Israeli officials claim the program is destroyed, European diplomats caution that the setback may be measured in months rather than years. The elimination of key scientists and data centers has undermined Tehran's know-how, but reconstitution is possible with time and resources. Russia has proposed accepting the enriched uranium as part of potential peace negotiations. The International Atomic Energy Agency continues to demand access to verify the status of the remaining materials, which are central to any future diplomatic agreements between Washington and Tehran.
AL-MONITOR: The Pulse of The Middle East