Iran's Uranium Enrichment Capacity After US-Israel Strikes: What Remains
The United States and Israel bombed Iran's known enrichment sites in June, but the IAEA believes over 200 kg of 60%-enriched uranium still exists, likely at Isfahan.
June saw Israel launch airstrikes, followed by the United States, that heavily damaged Iran's three operational uranium-enrichment plants, aiming to halt a perceived path toward a nuclear weapon. Prior to the attacks, the IAEA reported Iran possessed 440.9 kg of uranium enriched to 60%, a quantity that could yield roughly ten weapons if further refined. The agency has not been allowed to verify one outlet stockpiles, and Iran has not informed it of any surviving material.
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi estimates that a bit more than 200 kg of 60%-enriched uranium likely remains in the Isfahan tunnel complex, with additional amounts possibly at Natanz. No evidence shows Iran is presently enriching uranium, but the remaining stock could be used with relatively few centrifuges. Vice President JD Vance called for a "meaningful" reduction in Iran's enrichment capacity, though the exact parameters of such a cut remain unclear.
Why it matters
Understanding Iran's remaining enriched uranium is crucial for assessing nuclear proliferation risks and diplomatic negotiations.
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