NYT: Iran could retrieve uranium at US-bombed site in Isfahan

U.S. intelligence said that Iran may be able to reach a major stockpile of highly enriched uranium (HEU) buried under the rubble of a nuclear facility in Isfahan via a narrow tunnel.

The report, published by The New York Times and citing officials familiar with classified assessments, highlights new concerns over Tehran’s nuclear capabilities.

Satellite images from February reveal extensive earthworks near several tunnel entrances, including the western access point. Commercial satellite imagery also detected soil movements, though it remains unclear whether the earth was removed or piled up to shield the facility from potential strikes.

The uranium stockpile was buried under debris following U.S. strikes during a 12-day conflict. American officials say intelligence agencies are maintaining constant surveillance of the site and are prepared to respond to any attempts to move the material.

The New York Times notes that the uranium in Isfahan could become a critical component for nuclear weapons development. U.S. officials estimate that Iran possesses approximately 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent. To be weapons-grade, uranium must reach 90 percent enrichment—a threshold considered achievable if operational centrifuges are available, according to sources.