In a fresh twist to the rising conflict between Iran, Israel and the United States, a shocking report has revealed that Iran may have cleverly shifted around 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium just before US-led airstrikes hit its nuclear sites. This development now raises serious questions over the success of America’s mission, and whether Iran’s nuclear capabilities have truly been neutralised.
On June 22, the US military, with support from Israeli intelligence, carried out powerful airstrikes on three of Iran’s main nuclear facilities – Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. These sites have been under international watch for years due to Iran’s nuclear activities. President Donald Trump, who recently returned to office, proudly declared that the strikes had “completely destroyed” Iran’s nuclear threat.
But now, new intelligence reports suggest otherwise.
According to The New York Times, two Israeli officials have confirmed that Iran managed to quietly move 400kg of uranium enriched to 60% purity out of one of the key plants—Fordow—before the US missiles hit. This level of enrichment is just short of the 90% needed to make a nuclear weapon.
If the uranium was really moved before the strikes, it means Iran’s core nuclear capacity remains intact. While the US military described the attacks as causing “severe damage,” both Iranian officials and Western experts now doubt whether the airstrikes achieved their full goal.
Adding to the concern, US Vice-President JD Vance admitted that the current location of Iran’s uranium stockpile is not known. “That’s something we’ll need to urgently talk to Iran about,” he said in a TV interview.
Iranian state media and government officials have claimed from the beginning that their essential nuclear infrastructure was not destroyed. They also denied that their ability to continue uranium enrichment was affected in a big way.
Iran is accusing the West of “nuclear hypocrisy,” saying they are unfairly targeted while countries like Israel are not questioned about their nuclear weapons.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has asked for transparency from Iran and raised concerns about being denied proper access to the bombed sites. They worry that without proper inspections, it’s impossible to know how much uranium Iran still has and what they plan to do with it.
This is not just a regional issue. The secret movement of uranium and rising distrust between Iran and the West could push the region closer to full-scale war. Iran already has more than 140 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%, according to the last IAEA report, and experts warn that if this is refined further, it could be used to make several nuclear bombs.
The 2015 nuclear deal, which once held things in balance, collapsed years ago. Since then, Iran has increased its nuclear stockpile, and international tension has only grown.
Iran’s smart move to shift uranium before the US airstrikes has complicated the global understanding of its nuclear strength. While America celebrated a military win, Iran may still hold a major card in its hand. The coming weeks will be critical as the US, Israel, and international agencies decide how to respond to this revelation. One thing is clear—this nuclear chess game is far from over.
Also Read: Operation Midnight Hammer: How US Stealth Bombers Secretly Struck Iran’s Nuclear Sites
