Senior Iranian source: Most enriched uranium at Fordow moved before US attack.

Senior Iranian source: Most enriched uranium at Fordow moved before US attack.

June 19, 2025

A senior Iranian source has revealed that the majority of the most enriched uranium at the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant was moved before the U.S. strike, raising questions about the effectiveness of the attack and its potential impact on Iran's nuclear capabilities. The revelation comes as the U.S. and Iran engage in a tense standoff following the U.S. military operation against Iran's nuclear sites [1].

The Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, located near the holy city of Qom, has long been a source of international concern due to its potential role in Iran's nuclear weapons program. The plant's underground facilities, which are estimated to be around 80 to 90 meters beneath the ground, have made it a challenging target for aerial attacks [2]. Despite recent Israeli strikes, the plant has remained largely intact, with no visible damage reported from satellite imagery [2].

The senior Iranian source, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that the move of enriched uranium was a precautionary measure taken in response to the escalating tensions and the threat of U.S. military action. The source did not provide specific details on the destination or the quantity of uranium moved but emphasized that the action was part of Iran's broader strategy to protect its nuclear assets.

The U.S. strike, which targeted Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, was described as "very successful" by President Donald Trump, who stated that the operation involved a "payload of BOMBS" dropped on Fordow [1]. However, the effectiveness of the strike remains uncertain, given the revelation that the most enriched uranium was moved before the attack. This move could potentially limit the impact of the U.S. operation on Iran's nuclear capabilities and prolong the ongoing conflict.

The U.S. strike has sparked fears of a regional conflict that could disrupt the flow of energy and other trade through the region. Around a fifth of the world's daily oil supply goes through the Strait of Hormuz, which lies between Iran and its Gulf Arab neighbors [1]. Any retaliation from Iran or its proxies could have significant implications for global energy markets and the broader geopolitical landscape.

The U.S. and Iran are now engaged in a delicate dance, with each side weighing the potential consequences of further escalation. The senior Iranian source's revelation underscores the complexity of the situation and the need for a nuanced approach to resolving the ongoing crisis.

References:

[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-06-22/us-successfully-attacked-three-nuclear-sites-in-iran-trump-says
[2] https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/17/middleeast/iran-fordow-nuclear-site-latam-hnk-intl