Iran’s Enriched Uranium Stockpile Amid Ongoing Conflict

Satellite images show a truck delivering 18 containers to a tunnel at Isfahan on 9 June 2025. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi says Iran stored much of its highly enriched uranium (HEU) there when the 12-day war began and likely still does, estimating about 440 pounds of 60 %-enriched uranium in the tunnels, part of a national stockpile of roughly 972 pounds—enough for up to ten nuclear weapons. The IAEA cannot verify the seals or material since inspections stopped in June 2025.

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The 2015 JCPOA capped enrichment at 3.67 % and HEU at 660 pounds. After President Donald Trump withdrew the United States in 2018, Iran resumed enrichment, reaching 60 % purity. A 2026 New York Times report estimates Iran now holds about 11 tons (?22 000 pounds) of enriched uranium, far above the JCPOA limit.

WION

President Trump framed the strikes to deny Iran a nuclear weapon, claiming the attacks “obliterated” Iran’s atomic program. He rejected Iran’s offer to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while pausing nuclear talks, saying Tehran must first address U.S. concerns. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the move, calling congressional criticism “reckless, feckless, and defeatist.” IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said removal or dilution of the HEU is essential and noted talks with Russia. Trump said Putin offered help with “enrichment,” but he prioritized Russian involvement in ending the Ukraine war.

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Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) challenged the justification, asking Hegseth, “Do you know how much enriched uranium was [created] after you ripped up the JCPOA?” Hegseth said the information is classified, prompting criticism that the Pentagon is withholding facts. IAEA assessments say most HEU remains uninspected.

Rolling Stone

Sources diverge on HEU quantity: Rolling Stone cites an 11-ton stockpile, while the IAEA reports under 1 ton (972 pounds). The IAEA cannot confirm the presence or integrity of seals at Isfahan since inspections halted, leaving the material’s location and condition uncertain.

Associated Press

• “Jennifer, you’ve been about the worst. The one who misrepresents the most intentionally.” — Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of Defense

Rolling Stone

• “We haven’t been able to inspect or to reject that the material is there and that the seals — the IAEA seals — remain there.” — Rafael Grossi, Director General, IAEA

Associated Press

• “be involved with ending the war with Ukraine.” — Donald Trump, U.S. President

The Independent

• “Do you know how much enriched uranium was [created] after you ripped up the JCPOA?” — Ro Khanna, U.S. Representative

Rolling Stone

The IAEA continues talks with Russia and other partners to arrange removal or dilution of Iran’s HEU, requiring a political agreement or a major U.S. operation. Re-inspection of Isfahan and other sites is a priority for the five-year Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty review. U.S. officials say they will not lift sanctions or end hostilities without demonstrable progress on the uranium issue.

The Independent