### Uncertainty Surrounds Iran's Enriched Uranium Stockpile Following U.S. Airstrikes Recent U.S. airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities have raised significant concerns regarding the fate of Iran's enriched uranium stockpile, which may include up to 900 pounds of near-weapons-grade material. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported that it currently lacks knowledge of the whereabouts of this critical material, which could potentially be used to develop nuclear weapons. The strikes, which were part of a broader military operation, have reportedly delayed Iran's nuclear program by only a few months, according to U.S. intelligence assessments. This situation has led to heightened scrutiny and speculation about Iran's nuclear capabilities and intentions in the wake of the attacks [https://www.breitbart.com/middle-east/2025/06/25/u-n-nuclear-watchdog-says-irans-uranium-missing-after-u-s-airstrikes, https://www.turkiyetoday.com/region/conflict-over-but-does-iran-still-have-nuclear-weapons-3203424]. ### Breakdown of the Current Situation 1. **Missing Uranium Stockpile**: The IAEA has expressed concern over the missing enriched uranium, with estimates suggesting Iran had around 408.6 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% before the strikes [https://24newshd.tv/23-Jun-2025/where-is-iran-s-uranium-questions-abound-after-us-strikes]. 2. **Impact of U.S. Strikes**: The airstrikes targeted key nuclear sites, including Fordo and Natanz, but U.S. officials caution that the strikes may not have significantly impaired Iran's nuclear ambitions [https://www.ibtimes.com/where-irans-uranium-questions-abound-after-us-strikes-3776541]. 3. **Iran's Response**: Iran has claimed to have moved its enriched uranium stockpile prior to the strikes, complicating efforts to track its nuclear material [https://ca.news.yahoo.com/where-irans-enriched-uranium-questions-145830381.html]. 4. **Global Non-Proliferation Concerns**: The situation raises alarms about the potential collapse of the global non-proliferation regime, with experts warning that Iran may withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) [https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/opinion/where-is-iran-s-uranium-fate-of-strike-hangs-on-400kg-stockpile-13162797.html]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Uranium Stockpile Estimates**: - **60% Enriched Uranium**: Approximately 408.6 kilograms reported by the IAEA [https://24newshd.tv/23-Jun-2025/where-is-iran-s-uranium-questions-abound-after-us-strikes]. - **Potential for Nuclear Weapons**: This amount could theoretically produce over nine nuclear bombs if further refined [https://24newshd.tv/23-Jun-2025/where-is-iran-s-uranium-questions-abound-after-us-strikes]. - **Damage Assessment**: - Significant damage reported at key sites, but the extent of the impact on Iran's nuclear capabilities remains uncertain [https://gulfnews.com/world/mena/where-is-irans-uranium-questions-remain-after-us-strikes-1.500175137]. ### Conclusion: A Complex and Uncertain Future 1. **Missing Uranium**: The IAEA's inability to locate Iran's enriched uranium stockpile poses a significant risk for global security. 2. **Limited Impact of Strikes**: While the U.S. airstrikes aimed to disrupt Iran's nuclear program, they may have only delayed it temporarily. 3. **Iran's Nuclear Ambitions**: The potential for Iran to continue its nuclear development remains, especially if it withdraws from the NPT. 4. **Call for Diplomacy**: Experts urge a return to diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation and ensure oversight of Iran's nuclear activities [https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/opinion/where-is-iran-s-uranium-fate-of-strike-hangs-on-400kg-stockpile-13162797.html, https://www.ibtimes.com/where-irans-uranium-questions-abound-after-us-strikes-3776541]. In summary, the situation surrounding Iran's enriched uranium stockpile is fraught with uncertainty and poses significant challenges for international security and non-proliferation efforts.