Reports from Israeli intelligence sources indicate that Iran may have relocated a significant quantity of enriched uranium before recent U.S. airstrikes on nuclear facilities.
Approximately 880 pounds of uranium enriched to 60% purity were moved from the Fordo nuclear site before it was targeted by American bunker-buster bombs. The New York Times reports that two Israeli officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, claim this material was not present at Fordo during the attack.
Rafael Mariano Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, states that UN inspectors observed the uranium at a different nuclear complex near Isfahan just a week before the airstrikes commenced. When asked if this stockpile had indeed been relocated, Grossi confirmed, “I do.”
When we consider that 60% enriched uranium is just below the 90% threshold required for nuclear weapons. Reports indicate this fuel could be transported in small containers fitting into roughly ten automobiles.
U.S. officials acknowledge uncertainty about the current location of this material. However, one senior American official asserts that the Fordo site has been taken “off the table,” despite not being destroyed.
This development follows earlier reports that Iran claimed to have established another enrichment site “in a secure and invulnerable location.” Experts believe this may refer to a facility deep within Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La, a mountain south of Natanz – another site targeted in the recent raids.
The evidence suggests ongoing efforts by Iran to protect its nuclear assets. Satellite imagery from Maxar Technologies shows unusual activity at Fordo before the strikes, with multiple cargo trucks observed near tunnel entrances. However, these images do not conclusively prove what, if anything, was removed.
This situation raises important questions about the effectiveness of military strikes against nuclear facilities and the challenges of international monitoring efforts. As always, we will continue to follow this developing story and bring you the facts as they become available.