Following a reported ceasefire between Israel and Iran, the United States is expressing concerns over the potential disappearance of a significant uranium stockpile. According to U.S. Vice President JD Vance, approximately 400kg of uranium, enough to potentially produce up to 10 nuclear weapons, is unaccounted for. This news emerged after the U.S. conducted airstrikes, dropping six ‘bunker buster’ bombs on three Iranian nuclear facilities. The missing uranium is enriched to 60%, a level that can be further enriched to the 90% needed for weapons. The situation raises serious questions about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the potential for the missing material to be used as a bargaining chip in future negotiations. Initial reports suggest Iran may have moved the stockpile and related equipment before the attacks, a claim supported by Israel.
During interviews, Vice President Vance indicated that the uranium may be buried beneath the targeted enrichment facilities, emphasizing the U.S.’s aim to prevent Iran from weaponizing the material. He clarified that the U.S. action was directed at Iran’s nuclear program, not its people. While he declined to confirm the extent of the damage to the facilities, he expressed confidence that the strikes significantly hindered Iran’s nuclear weapon development efforts.
Satellite imagery revealed a convoy of trucks outside the Fordow nuclear plant before the strikes, suggesting a possible relocation of the uranium. The U.S. and Israel believe the material was moved to an underground storage facility near Isfahan. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head Rafael Grossi has urged the resumption of inspections and warned that escalating military action hinders peaceful resolutions and the prevention of nuclear weapon development.