How was Iran storing the enriched uranium? If these were just ingots, why couldn't they just dig them out of the rubble? Seems like uranium is used for armor plating, so presumably pretty tough and heat resistant. Different story if it is in solution (uranium hexaflouride?) or in a non-metalic form. Although even in those cases, as long as you weren't storing it in the same area as your depleted stock, it seems like you could leach it back out of the soil and it would still be enriched. Right?
sleepyguy · 6h ago
It may not have set it back at all. The discussion in different circles has suggested that Iran was able to remove enough enriched uranium to create several bombs. It possibly makes sense considering that the enrichment facilities were a target, and why keep any enriched uranium there.
Not a specialist but they are close to weapon grade, but not there. And probably they don't have many centrifuges left. And people that know how to operate them.
bigyabai · 6h ago
> And probably they don't have many centrifuges left.
In 2016, under the JCPOA, Iran had over 10,000 IR-1 centrifuges in storage and ~5,000 IR-1 in active use. Considering they make them domestically, I don't really know how smart it is to assume the centrifuges are gone for good.
ReptileMan · 7h ago
You could build a lot of MOPs in 3 months. And probably even figure out a not so flashy delivery mechanism. And there is no chance Iran will even start rebuilding their defenses. If there is any sanity in the theocracy there - they will lay low at least until China decides to invade Taiwan.
bigyabai · 6h ago
There have been multiple ADS-B reports in the last week of cargo planes transiting to and from China to Iran. It's entirely possible that Tehran is stocking up on air defenses in exchange for the bulk amounts of oil China imports.
PL-10Es and J-10s aren't terribly expensive. If Iran's in it for the long-haul, they've still got options on the table.
vieques · 7h ago
because NY times has better intelligence than Pentagon and its eyes in the skies
z3c0 · 5h ago
The intel came from the DIA, the intelligence arm of the Pentagon.
bigyabai · 6h ago
1. The Pentagon still hasn't found Saddam's WMDs.
2. Eyes in the sky don't tell you much about the damage done to an underground base.
3. Iran had advance notice of the strikes and presumably had a window of opportunity to move any enriched uranium.
4. Iran's centrifuges are domestically made, and they have thousands stashed in storage due to IAEA limits.
so you are saying NYTimes has more military intelligence than Pentagon and its eyes in the skies? all information points to a huge success setting it back by years if not indefinitely.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/24/politics/intel-assessment-us-...
In 2016, under the JCPOA, Iran had over 10,000 IR-1 centrifuges in storage and ~5,000 IR-1 in active use. Considering they make them domestically, I don't really know how smart it is to assume the centrifuges are gone for good.
PL-10Es and J-10s aren't terribly expensive. If Iran's in it for the long-haul, they've still got options on the table.
2. Eyes in the sky don't tell you much about the damage done to an underground base.
3. Iran had advance notice of the strikes and presumably had a window of opportunity to move any enriched uranium.
4. Iran's centrifuges are domestically made, and they have thousands stashed in storage due to IAEA limits.
5. There was actually that one time where the New York Times leaked Pentagon secrets: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Times_Co._v._United_S...
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