US Confirms Over 400 Kg of Uranium Missing in Iran Amid Nuclear Concerns

In a significant development regarding Iran's nuclear capabilities, U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated that over 400 kilograms of enriched uranium are currently unaccounted for, raising alarms about the status of Iran's nuclear program. This statement was made during a June 24, 2025, interview with ABC News, where Vance expressed uncertainty about the condition of Iran's nuclear sites following recent U.S. airstrikes.

The U.S. government has been closely monitoring Iran's nuclear activities, particularly after President Donald Trump ordered airstrikes targeting key nuclear facilities, including the Fordow underground complex. According to Vance, the objective of these strikes was to severely damage Iran's nuclear infrastructure. However, he acknowledged that he could not definitively confirm whether the sites had been obliterated.

Reports indicate that as of June 13, 2025, Iran's stockpile included approximately 900 pounds of highly enriched uranium, which had been previously reduced to 60% purity—below the 90% threshold required for nuclear weapons. Vance indicated that the Trump administration plans to engage in discussions with Iranian officials in the coming weeks to address the status of the remaining enriched uranium, emphasizing that the focus would be on ensuring the security of this material.

Moreover, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been informed by Iran that it will implement special measures to safeguard its nuclear materials and equipment, adhering to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) obligations. This announcement comes amid heightened scrutiny of Iran's nuclear program, which many nations fear could lead to the development of nuclear weapons.

The situation is further complicated by Israel's recent military actions against Iran's nuclear sites, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of several Iranian nuclear scientists and inflicted damage on facilities critical to uranium enrichment. According to a Reuters report, U.S. bombings likely caused significant damage to Fordow's underground enrichment areas, though the full extent of the destruction remains unclear.

Experts, including Dr. Emily Thompson, a nuclear policy analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, emphasize that the continued uncertainty around the status of enriched uranium poses a substantial risk. "Without a clear understanding of Iran's nuclear stockpile, it becomes increasingly difficult to assess the potential for nuclear proliferation in the region," Thompson stated in a recent interview.

On the geopolitical front, the implications of this development could be far-reaching. The potential for nuclear escalation in the Middle East has raised concerns among international leaders, particularly in light of the fragile security dynamics in the region.

For now, the U.S. administration is expected to take a cautious approach as it seeks to engage Iran diplomatically while also considering the military ramifications of any further action. The situation remains fluid, and as more information becomes available, it is likely to influence international relations and security policies in the coming months.