Israel Warns of Potential Uranium Recovery by Iran Post US Strikes

After US military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, Israel believes Iran may attempt to recover enriched uranium from one facility. Despite President Trump's claims of total destruction, reports indicate ongoing concerns over Iran's nuclear capabilities.

Israel is raising alarms about the potential for Iran to recover enriched uranium following US military actions on June 22, where three Iranian nuclear facilities, including the crucial Isfahan site, were targeted. A senior Israeli official, who spoke anonymously to US reporters, indicated that although the uranium may be buried under the rubble, any attempts by Iran to access it would likely be closely monitored, prompting a renewed Israeli military response.

Former President Donald Trump has asserted that these strikes effectively "obliterated" Iran's nuclear infrastructure. However, this claim contrasts with assessments from various US intelligence agencies that suggest the destruction was not absolute. In a recent briefing, a leaked Defense Intelligence Agency report stated that while the three sites at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan sustained heavy damage, they were not completely annihilated.

Israeli officials are optimistic, estimating that Iran’s nuclear program suffered a setback of approximately two years due to the assault. In support of this, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly reiterated Trump's assertion that Operation Midnight Hammer significantly enhanced global security. In contrast, CIA Director John Ratcliffe previously informed lawmakers that the US strikes have hampered Iran's capacity to develop a nuclear weapon by damaging its only facility for producing metallic uranium.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director Rafael Grossi provided a nuanced perspective, acknowledging that while critical damage occurred, the notion that everything within the sites has been rendered non-functional is misleading. He emphasized that structures remain intact and that a full assessment of the situation is still pending.

Iranian President Mahmoud Pezeshkian confirmed the severity of the damage, highlighting that access to the facilities has been severely restricted, making comprehensive evaluation challenging.

As regional tensions mount, the situation remains precarious with the possibility of escalating conflict if either side perceives threats to their national security. The diplomatic landscape surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions continues to draw global scrutiny, with many anxiously watching how both Iran and Israel will react in the forthcoming days.