Key facts
- Iran's uranium enrichment capacity is unclear following US-Israeli bombings.
- Iran was enriching uranium to up to 60% purity before the attacks.
- The IAEA estimates Iran had 440.9 kg of 60% enriched uranium before the bombings.
- Over 200 kg of 60% enriched uranium is believed to remain in Iran.
- US Vice President JD Vance stated Iran must reduce its enrichment capacity.
The status of Iran's uranium enrichment program remains uncertain following airstrikes by the US and Israel last year, which significantly damaged its known enrichment facilities. US Vice President JD Vance stated on Tuesday that Iran must meaningfully reduce its uranium enrichment capacity to satisfy US demands and end the ongoing conflict.
Before the bombings on June 13 of last year, Iran was enriching uranium up to 60% purity, a level considered by the US and its allies to be a short step from weapons-grade material, and for which they see no civil justification. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) estimated that Iran possessed 440.9 kg of uranium enriched to up to 60% purity at that time, enough for approximately 10 nuclear weapons according to the agency's yardstick.
Following the attacks, Iran has not informed the IAEA about the survival or whereabouts of its enriched uranium, nor has it allowed inspectors back to the bombed sites. The IAEA has stated that the above-ground facility at Natanz was destroyed, and two other facilities at Natanz and Fordow were badly damaged and are believed to be out of operation. However, the IAEA chief Rafael Grossi indicated in March that the agency believes over 200 kg of Iran's 60% enriched uranium remains in a tunnel complex at Isfahan, with some also still at Natanz.
While Iran is not currently known to be enriching uranium, its remaining stock of highly enriched uranium means it could potentially enrich it to weapons grade with relatively few centrifuges. The 2015 nuclear deal, which granted the IAEA enhanced inspection powers, collapsed after the US withdrew in 2018, leading the IAEA to lose track of Iran's centrifuges.