Iran moved 400 kg uranium before US attack—Was Washington fooled?

New intelligence raises questions over effectiveness of US military Op

As tensions between Iran and Israel escalate, fresh intelligence reports suggest that Iran may have successfully relocated a large quantity of highly enriched uranium just before a US-led airstrike targeted its key nuclear facilities.

The development casts doubt on President Donald Trump’s claim that the strikes had “completely obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities. The coordinated operation, conducted on June 20 by US forces and guided by Israeli intelligence, targeted Iran’s nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—locations long viewed as central to Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

Iran claims minimal damage; US officials cautious

President Trump, who resumed office earlier this year, announced the strike as a major national security success, telling his supporters that “Iran’s nuclear threat has been neutralized.” However, Iranian authorities immediately downplayed the impact, stating that their key nuclear infrastructure remained operational.

Iranian state media and foreign ministry sources reported that core enrichment operations had not been significantly affected by the attacks.

400 kilograms of enriched uranium allegedly moved

According to two Israeli officials speaking to the New York Times, Iran moved approximately 400 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60%—just shy of weapons-grade levels—before the strikes hit the Fordow site. This material and other sensitive equipment are now unaccounted for.

US Vice President J D Vance acknowledged the intelligence gap, confirming that the current location of the uranium stockpile is unknown. “That’s one of the things we’re going to discuss with the Iranians,” he told ABC News, indicating ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Military assessment and global concerns

During a joint press briefing, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine refrained from fully endorsing the President’s claim of total destruction. Instead, they reported “severe damage” at the targeted sites, resulting from precision strikes involving Air Force B-2 bombers and Tomahawk missiles launched by the Navy.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has requested full access to the bombed sites and urged Iran to be transparent. Tehran has restricted inspector access, accusing Western powers of hypocrisy regarding nuclear oversight.

Iran’s uranium enrichment continues amid tensions

Following the breakdown of the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran has significantly increased its uranium enrichment. The IAEA’s most recent report notes that Iran has stockpiled over 140 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity—a level high enough for multiple nuclear weapons if further refined.

The reported relocation of material ahead of the US strike could mark a strategic success for Iran and a major intelligence failure for the US and its allies.

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