According to reports, Israel has raised concerns that U.S. military strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites last month did not eliminate enriched uranium reserves, allowing Iran a possibility to reclaim these materials. Despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement that Iran’s nuclear capabilities had been “completely and totally obliterated” following combined U.S. and Israeli efforts on June 22 targeting the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan sites, assessments from Israel indicate otherwise. Trump’s assertion was supported by CIA Director John Ratcliffe, who informed lawmakers that significant facilities had been destroyed and recovery would take a substantial amount of time.
Iran continues to insist that its nuclear activities are solely for civilian purposes and not aimed at weaponization. Israeli evaluations suggest uranium stockpiles at the Isfahan site, which are deeply buried, could still potentially be accessed. A senior Israeli figure highlighted that retrieving the nuclear material underground would require a complex effort from Tehran. Unlike Fordow and Natanz, the Isfahan site was hit by Tomahawk missiles instead of the heavier “bunker-buster” bombs used elsewhere.
Israel dismissed reports that Iran had transferred its uranium to a safe location before the attacks, maintaining the material remained at the impacted sites. Furthermore, officials from the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency have reportedly stated they are uncertain if the specialized GBU-57 bunker-buster munitions reached their intended depths. The agency has long worked on munitions specifically designed for use against Iran’s nuclear sites.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian mentioned in an interview that Tehran could not yet assess its nuclear facilities following what he called “unlawful attacks” by the U.S. However, he acknowledged significant damage to equipment and infrastructure. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has offered to facilitate renewed nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S., aiming to restore dialogue interrupted by the attacks. Russia has criticized the actions of the U.S. and Israel, arguing that they pose a threat to global nuclear non-proliferation efforts.
