Following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, the U.S. is raising concerns about the whereabouts of a substantial uranium stockpile. Vice President JD Vance reported that 400kg of uranium, enough for potentially ten nuclear weapons, is missing. The uranium was enriched to 60 percent, close to the level required for weaponization. The U.S. strikes, which involved ‘bunker buster’ bombs, targeted three Iranian nuclear sites.
In interviews, Vance indicated the uranium might be buried. He maintained the U.S. focused on the nuclear program. He declined to confirm the extent of the destruction but expressed confidence in the operation’s success in hindering Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Before the strikes, satellite images showed a convoy of trucks near the Fordow plant, suggesting a possible relocation. The U.S. and Israel believe the material was moved to an underground storage site near Isfahan. The IAEA head has called for a return to inspections and warned that military actions could impede peaceful solutions and nuclear non-proliferation.