Israel warns Iran war risks “one big failure” without uranium removal

An Israeli military official has warned that the outcome of the recent conflict with Iran will be judged a failure unless Tehran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium is removed.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the senior officer told The Times of Israel that Iran currently possesses more than 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity—levels Israeli officials argue are sufficient for up to 11 nuclear weapons if further refined.

The official stressed that ongoing diplomatic efforts, particularly involving the United States, will be decisive in determining whether the military campaign achieved its strategic objective.

“If the nuclear objective is not achieved, then everything we did in Iran will be one big failure. The evil Iranian regime can pounce on the nuclear program,” the official says.

According to the officer, Israel views the removal of the uranium stockpile and a halt to enrichment activities as essential outcomes of any negotiations with Tehran. Without such measures, the gains made during 40 days of fighting would be undermined.

“If the uranium is removed from Iran through diplomatic means, we have done our part,” the official adds.

However, the official indicated that military options remain on the table if diplomacy fails.

“If that does not happen, Israel would need to launch another operation in Iran to achieve the objective,” they say.

By Sabina Mammadli