It is unknown if Iran’s more than 400 kg of 60% enriched uranium was destroyed, moved, or buried in the wake of recent Israeli and American attacks on the vital nuclear installations of Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Concerns are rising that Tehran may have used the chaos to conceal critical nuclear stockpiles.
While President Trump claimed the attacks used bunker-busting bombs and “obliterated” targets, the IAEA reports that real damage remains uncertain. Their chief, Rafael Grossi, noted severe centrifuge impact at Fordow, yet no confirmation that Iran’s enriched uranium — nearly 9 tonnes, including the near weapons-grade 400+ kg — was destroyed.
The tension isn’t just military. Markets are reacting, oil prices are spiking, and economic fears are spreading globally amid nuclear uncertainty.
Grossi revealed that on June 13, just hours before Israel’s first strikes, Iran informed the IAEA it was “taking measures to protect its nuclear equipment and materials.” While no details were given, officials suspect this referred to the quiet relocation of enriched uranium.
A diplomat familiar with the matter claimed much of the material at Fordow was likely moved “days in advance,” hinting Tehran may have had advance notice. Satellite imagery showing trucks near the site before the bombing supports this theory.
Trump flatly rejected those claims during a Fox News interview, asserting, “They didn’t move anything. It’s very dangerous to do. The thing is quite hefty. Additionally, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said no intelligence confirmed a move.
Tracking the uranium now could take months. Former IAEA inspector Olli Heinonen told Reuters that recovery efforts may require environmental testing, forensic analysis, and complex operations. He warned some material could be buried or lost under debris.
Iran, meanwhile, maintains it has followed all protocols. However, earlier this month, the IAEA Board of Governors passed a resolution accusing Iran of breaching the Non-Proliferation Treaty. In retaliation, Tehran voted to suspend cooperation and accused the agency of offering diplomatic cover for the attacks — a charge the IAEA strongly denies.
Grossi admitted his team lacks proof that Iran’s nuclear activities are solely peaceful, though there’s no hard evidence of a weapons program either. The missing 400 kg of enriched uranium leaves the global community in the dark, with nations now making independent risk assessments.
And regardless of the outcome, the uncertainty alone continues to rattle the world economy.
