The attacks come as Washington expands its military footprint in the region, with tens of thousands of troops now deployed.

'900 kg bunker busters hit Isfahan': Why does US keep striking Iran’s most sensitive site, what lies beneath it?

Satelllite images also show that Iran has buried tunnel entrances at a nuclear site that had been bombed by the US during the 12-day  Israel-Iran war in June last year, fortified tunnel entrances near another, and has repaired missile bases struck in the conflict.

Is war looming? Why is Iran concealing and repairing ‘sensitive’ nuclear and military sites amid rising US tensions?

<p>US President Donald Trump on Sunday (Oct 5) warned that he would bomb Iran again if the country restarts its nuclear programme, saying the United States “won’t wait so long this time.” Speaking at a Navy Day event at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia, Trump referenced the June 22 US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, calling them “perfectly executed.” Trump alleged that Iran was just a month away from having a nuclear weapon when the US struck its nuclear facilities, and vowed that he would order another strike if Tehran attempts to restart its nuclear programme.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-israel-agreed-to-withdrawal-line-ceasefire-to-follow-once-hamas-confirms-1759631344689"><strong>Trump says Israel agreed to ‘withdrawal line,’ ceasefire to follow once Hamas confirms</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Trump hails US attack on Iran</strong></h2><p>Talking about the June 22 'Operation Midnight Hammer' in which the US used "bunker buster" bombs to strike three Iranian nuclear sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Those strikes followed Israel's air campaign that began on June 13, targeting a dozen Iranian military and nuclear-related sites.</p><p>“The B2s, what they did. Those beautiful flying wings, what they did, they hit every single target. And just in case, we shot 30 Tomahawks out of a submarine,” Trump told sailors at Naval Station Norfolk at a celebration of the US Navy’s 250th birthday.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">‘We’re NOT going to wait so long’ to hit Iran again <br><br>B2 pilots had been training for 22 YEARS for ‘Operation Midnight Hammer’, Trump adds <a href="https://t.co/0gaXwqvQ0l">https://t.co/0gaXwqvQ0l</a> <a href="https://t.co/tJO0QadFxY">pic.twitter.com/tJO0QadFxY</a></p>&mdash; RT (@RT_com) <a href="https://twitter.com/RT_com/status/1974941710552908053?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>The president claimed that back in June, Iran was going to have a nuclear weapon “within a month,” despite US intelligence assessments at the time determining that indicating Tehran was not pursuing a bomb.</p><p>“They were going to have a nuclear weapon within a month,” Trump said. “And now they can start the operation all over again, but I hope they don’t because we’ll have to take care of that too if they do, I let them know that. You want to do that, it’s fine, but we’re going to take care of that and we’re not going to wait so long.”</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/pope-blesses-chunk-of-ice-on-camera-sparks-ridicule-but-this-is-why-he-did-it-1759382204019"><strong>Video: Pope blesses chunk of ice on camera, sparks ridicule — but why did he do it?</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Operation Midnight Hammer: 22 years in making</strong></h2><p>Trump also claimed B-2 pilots told him that US planners had been preparing for such an operation for 22 years, but that no president before him had the guts to do it.</p><p>In a September interview, he previously told the Daily Caller that he ordered the June strikes on behalf of Israel, boasting that “nobody has done more for Israel than I have, including the recent attacks with Iran, wiping that thing out.”</p><p>The remarks come amid growing signs of another confrontation with Tehran. The Trump administration has been pressing Iran to abandon its uranium enrichment and curb its ballistic missile program — demands Tehran has rejected outright. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei recently reiterated his prohibition on the development of nuclear weapons but vowed not to give up the country’s civilian nuclear program, calling it a matter of national dignity.</p>

US President Trump warned Sunday he would bomb Iran again if it restarts its nuclear program, citing the June 22 US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites as “perfectly executed.” He claimed Iran was a month from a bomb back then, and vowed not to wait so long next time.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (Oct 5) warned that he would bomb Iran again if the country restarts its nuclear programme, saying the United States “won’t wait so long this time.” Speaking at a Navy Day event at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia, Trump referenced the June 22 US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, calling them “perfectly executed.” Trump alleged that Iran was just a month away from having a nuclear weapon when the US struck its nuclear facilities, and vowed that he would order another strike if Tehran attempts to restart its nuclear programme. Also read | Trump says Israel agreed to ‘withdrawal line,’ ceasefire to follow once Hamas confirms Trump hails US attack on Iran Talking about the June 22 'Operation Midnight Hammer' in which the US used "bunker buster" bombs to strike three Iranian nuclear sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Those strikes followed Israel's air campaign that began on June 13, targeting a dozen Iranian military and nuclear-related sites. “The B2s, what they did. Those beautiful flying wings, what they did, they hit every single target. And just in case, we shot 30 Tomahawks out of a submarine,” Trump told sailors at Naval Station Norfolk at a celebration of the US Navy’s 250th birthday.

<p>US President Trump warned Sunday he would bomb Iran again if it restarts its nuclear program, citing the June 22 US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites as “perfectly executed.” He claimed Iran was a month from a bomb back then, and vowed not to wait so long next time.</p>

Trump threatens to bomb Iran again, says US ‘won’t wait so long this time’. Watch!

A newly revealed Pentagon file discloses the cost of Operation Midnight Hammer, with the U.S. reportedly spending $500 million on missiles to support Israel’s defense.


Pentagon reveals $500m Midnight Hammer: thaad used to hit Iran, defend Israel

USA: Pentagon documents reveal cost of Operation Midnight Hammer

<p>The Pentagon has confirmed that American aircraft deployed a mix of precision bombs and rockets during Operation Midnight Hammer, the strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities earlier this year. Budget documents show the use of GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs (SDBs), laser-guided APKWS II rockets, and GBU-57/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bunker-busters.</p><p>While the B-2 stealth bombers are known to have dropped 14 MOPs on sites at Fordow and Natanz, less is known about how other aircraft contributed. One US submarine, likely the USS Georgia, also launched more than two dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles at the Isfahan nuclear site.</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-i-didn-t-want-him-trump-says-he-barred-mayor-of-london-khan-from-king-s-state-banquet-at-windsor-here-s-how-sadiq-reacted-1758263997801"><strong>'I didn’t want him': Trump says he barred 'Mayor of London Khan' from King’s state banquet at Windsor - Here's how Sadiq reacted</strong></a></p><h2><strong>How big was the strike package?</strong></h2><p>According to the Pentagon, 125 aircraft took part in the mission, including F-22 Raptors, F-35 fighters, and dozens of refuelling tankers. General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the US used “decoys” and “high-speed suppression weapons” to clear Iranian air defences before the bombers struck. “The US protection package employed high-speed suppression weapons to ensure safe passage of the strike package,” he told reporters after the mission.</p><h2><strong>Why is the Pentagon reallocating funds now?</strong></h2><p>The details surfaced in a budget reprogramming document released in August. It shows Washington seeking Congressional approval to shift money to replace weapons expended in the strike.</p><p>The document states, “This reprogramming action addresses funds for the replacement of defence articles expended in support of Israel through U.S. combat operations executed at the request of and in coordination with Israel and for the defence of Israeli territory, personnel, or assets during attacks by Iran, and subsequent or anticipated attacks by Iran and its proxies.”</p><h2><strong>How much will replacements cost?</strong></h2><p>The budget breakdown includes:</p><p>• $123 million to replace the MOPs dropped on Iran’s nuclear sites.</p><p>• $2.3 million for Small Diameter Bombs.</p><p>• $3.3 million for APKWS II rockets.</p><p>• $9.9 million for temporary lodging of US personnel.</p><p>• $498 million for Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) interceptors used to shield Israel.</p><p>If the $123 million figure covers the 14 MOPs used, that would put the average cost per bomb at almost $8.8 million.</p><h2><strong>Why were rockets included in the budget?</strong></h2><p>The inclusion of APKWS II rockets has raised questions. The rockets are usually fired by F-15s, F-16s, A-10s, and helicopters, and can target drones or cruise missiles. Analysts believe they were more likely used in defending Israel from Iranian drone and missile barrages rather than in a direct strike on nuclear sites.</p>

The Pentagon revealed Operation Midnight Hammer on Iran’s nuclear sites used B-2 MOPs, Tomahawks, precision bombs, and rockets, costing $636 million to replace weapons and support Israel’s defence.

The Pentagon has confirmed that American aircraft deployed a mix of precision bombs and rockets during Operation Midnight Hammer, the strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities earlier this year. Budget documents show the use of GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs (SDBs), laser-guided APKWS II rockets, and GBU-57/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bunker-busters. While the B-2 stealth bombers are known to have dropped 14 MOPs on sites at Fordow and Natanz, less is known about how other aircraft contributed. One US submarine, likely the USS Georgia, also launched more than two dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles at the Isfahan nuclear site. Also read: 'I didn’t want him': Trump says he barred 'Mayor of London Khan' from King’s state banquet at Windsor - Here's how Sadiq reacted How big was the strike package? According to the Pentagon, 125 aircraft took part in the mission, including F-22 Raptors, F-35 fighters, and dozens of refuelling tankers. General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the US used “decoys” and “high-speed suppression weapons” to clear Iranian air defences before the bombers struck. “The US protection package employed high-speed suppression weapons to ensure safe passage of the strike package,” he told reporters after the mission. Why is the Pentagon reallocating funds now? The details surfaced in a budget reprogramming document released in August. It shows Washington seeking Congressional approval to shift money to replace weapons expended in the strike. The document states, “This reprogramming action addresses funds for the replacement of defence articles expended in support of Israel through U.S. combat operations executed at the request of and in coordination with Israel and for the defence of Israeli territory, personnel, or assets during attacks by Iran, and subsequent or anticipated attacks by Iran and its proxies.” How much will replacements cost? The budget breakdown includes: • $123 million to replace the MOPs dropped on Iran’s nuclear sites. • $2.3 million for Small Diameter Bombs. • $3.3 million for APKWS II rockets. • $9.9 million for temporary lodging of US personnel. • $498 million for Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) interceptors used to shield Israel. If the $123 million figure covers the 14 MOPs used, that would put the average cost per bomb at almost $8.8 million. Why were rockets included in the budget? The inclusion of APKWS II rockets has raised questions. The rockets are usually fired by F-15s, F-16s, A-10s, and helicopters, and can target drones or cruise missiles. Analysts believe they were more likely used in defending Israel from Iranian drone and missile barrages rather than in a direct strike on nuclear sites.

<p>The Pentagon revealed Operation Midnight Hammer on Iran’s nuclear sites used B-2 MOPs, Tomahawks, precision bombs, and rockets, costing $636 million to replace weapons and support Israel’s defence.</p>

Not just B-2 bombers, US deployed many other weapons in Iran strike. How did it rack-up a $636 million bill? Secret document reveals cost breakdown

<p>At the end of 12 days of mutual aerial bombardment, Iran and Israel appear to have agreed on a ceasefire, brokered and announced by US President Donald Trump after American B2 bombers attacked suspected Iranian nuclear sites. The one-off US Operation Midnight Hammer looked very similar to Operation Sindoor, India's military action against Pakistan to avenge the Pahalgam terror attacks. India ended the operation just three days after bombings that targeted Pakistani terror infrastructure and hit near its suspected nuclear installations. Though military officials and political leadership described Operation Sindoor as ‘ongoing’, the hostilities have ended for now. The fact that what threatened to be long-drawn wars ended rather abruptly makes one wonder if we are in the era of quick-fix air wars, as opposed to long wars of attrition.</p><h2>Operation Sindoor, Operation Rising Lion, Operation Midnight Hammer: Quick operations are better than wars of attrition</h2><p>As long as the military objectives are achieved, quick, targeted air operations are more practical. In the era of drones, long-range missiles and artificial intelligence, such operations avoid boots on the ground. Israel is already in a war of attrition with Hamas in the Gaza strip, which started after the terror attack of 7 October 2023. The military objectives of that war - defeating Hamas and releasing Israeli hostages it had taken in 2023 - have not been achieved despite more than two years of war. This is an asymmetrical war, as Hamas continues to fight the far better-equipped Israeli Army in spite of its leadership being wiped out in Mossad-led intelligence operations both inside Gaza and abroad.</p><h2>Ukraine-Russia war, US occupation of Afghanistan: Cautionary tales on how not to conduct warfare</h2><p>The Russia-Ukraine conflict is an instance of how long wars of attrition are not the order of the day in the present world. Perhaps the quick operations as seen in India-Pakistan and Israel-Iran conflicts would now become a model for future wars, given the failure of long wars of attrition.&nbsp;<br>Another example of the failure of a long and costly military mission is from Afghanistan. The US invaded it with the intention of removing the Taliban regime in October 2001. But after 20 years of occupation, the US Army left Afghanistan in a messy exit as the Taliban rode back to power in August 2021, with hardly any resistance.&nbsp;</p><h2>People are not interested in joining as foot soldiers for armies</h2><p>Something that stood out in the Russia-Ukraine war is how difficult it was for both sides to recruit foot soldiers. There have been reports of draft dodging by Russians. North Korean soldiers reportedly joined &nbsp;Russia in fighting Ukraine. Russia reportedly recruited soldiers from jails, meaning hardened criminals were sent to the frontline. There were difficulties in recruitment for the Ukrainian Army, too. Affiliate groups, militias and mercenaries from abroad are fighting alongside the regular Ukrainian forces.</p><h2>Drones and missiles: Future of warfare will have to be lean and smart</h2><p>The use of drones in all these wars is a new trend that is here to stay. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles have become the face of wars in Ukraine, as well as in the Iran-Israel conflict and Operation Sindoor. Taking out enemies from the comfort of one's room or office is a much cheaper and effective method than sending the troops to the ground.</p><h2>Interest is growing on non-contact warfare</h2><p>The emerging new form of war consists of the following main aspects: Identify enemy targets using a combination of on-ground intelligence and satellite imagery; decide on the type of munitions and launchpads (Operation Midnight Hammer of the US, for instance, fired the torpedo missiles from submarines, while the B2 stealth bombers attacked from the air); use numerous drones and missiles to overwhelm the enemey's defence system, and exit without pilot casualties and minimum loss of hardware whenever possible. In Operation Sindoor, all Indian pilots were back home. In Iran's counterattacks, dozens of drones attempted to exhaust the Israeli air defence systems. Drones are seen as dispensable, as the cost involved in developing them would be less than the standing cost of armies.<br><br><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-israel-ceasefire-trump-tells-israel-to-stop-attacking-iran-report-1750834499577/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-israel-ceasefire-trump-tells-israel-to-stop-attacking-iran-report-1750834499577/embed</a></p><p><br>One thing is clear: Non-contact, air-dominated warfare is going to be a more prominent aspect of combat in future than the olden days of trench warfare and face-to-face combat. Whether it is India's Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, or Israel's Operation Rising Lion against Iran, Iran's counteroffensive, or Operation Midnight Hammer, the salient features remain the same: Air war, pinpointed targets, extensive planning, and use of unmanned vehicles.&nbsp;</p>

The new trend is to identify enemy targets, decide on the type of munitions and launchpads, use numerous drones and missiles to overwhelm the enemy defence system, and exit without casualties and minimal hardware loss.

At the end of 12 days of mutual aerial bombardment, Iran and Israel appear to have agreed on a ceasefire, brokered and announced by US President Donald Trump after American B2 bombers attacked suspected Iranian nuclear sites. The one-off US Operation Midnight Hammer looked very similar to Operation Sindoor, India's military action against Pakistan to avenge the Pahalgam terror attacks. India ended the operation just three days after bombings that targeted Pakistani terror infrastructure and hit near its suspected nuclear installations. Though military officials and political leadership described Operation Sindoor as ‘ongoing’, the hostilities have ended for now. The fact that what threatened to be long-drawn wars ended rather abruptly makes one wonder if we are in the era of quick-fix air wars, as opposed to long wars of attrition. Operation Sindoor, Operation Rising Lion, Operation Midnight Hammer: Quick operations are better than wars of attrition As long as the military objectives are achieved, quick, targeted air operations are more practical. In the era of drones, long-range missiles and artificial intelligence, such operations avoid boots on the ground. Israel is already in a war of attrition with Hamas in the Gaza strip, which started after the terror attack of 7 October 2023. The military objectives of that war - defeating Hamas and releasing Israeli hostages it had taken in 2023 - have not been achieved despite more than two years of war. This is an asymmetrical war, as Hamas continues to fight the far better-equipped Israeli Army in spite of its leadership being wiped out in Mossad-led intelligence operations both inside Gaza and abroad. Ukraine-Russia war, US occupation of Afghanistan: Cautionary tales on how not to conduct warfare The Russia-Ukraine conflict is an instance of how long wars of attrition are not the order of the day in the present world. Perhaps the quick operations as seen in India-Pakistan and Israel-Iran conflicts would now become a model for future wars, given the failure of long wars of attrition. Another example of the failure of a long and costly military mission is from Afghanistan. The US invaded it with the intention of removing the Taliban regime in October 2001. But after 20 years of occupation, the US Army left Afghanistan in a messy exit as the Taliban rode back to power in August 2021, with hardly any resistance. People are not interested in joining as foot soldiers for armies Something that stood out in the Russia-Ukraine war is how difficult it was for both sides to recruit foot soldiers. There have been reports of draft dodging by Russians. North Korean soldiers reportedly joined Russia in fighting Ukraine. Russia reportedly recruited soldiers from jails, meaning hardened criminals were sent to the frontline. There were difficulties in recruitment for the Ukrainian Army, too. Affiliate groups, militias and mercenaries from abroad are fighting alongside the regular Ukrainian forces. Drones and missiles: Future of warfare will have to be lean and smart The use of drones in all these wars is a new trend that is here to stay. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles have become the face of wars in Ukraine, as well as in the Iran-Israel conflict and Operation Sindoor. Taking out enemies from the comfort of one's room or office is a much cheaper and effective method than sending the troops to the ground. Interest is growing on non-contact warfare The emerging new form of war consists of the following main aspects: Identify enemy targets using a combination of on-ground intelligence and satellite imagery; decide on the type of munitions and launchpads (Operation Midnight Hammer of the US, for instance, fired the torpedo missiles from submarines, while the B2 stealth bombers attacked from the air); use numerous drones and missiles to overwhelm the enemey's defence system, and exit without pilot casualties and minimum loss of hardware whenever possible. In Operation Sindoor, all Indian pilots were back home. In Iran's counterattacks, dozens of drones attempted to exhaust the Israeli air defence systems. Drones are seen as dispensable, as the cost involved in developing them would be less than the standing cost of armies. https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-israel-ceasefire-trump-tells-israel-to-stop-attacking-iran-report-1750834499577/embed One thing is clear: Non-contact, air-dominated warfare is going to be a more prominent aspect of combat in future than the olden days of trench warfare and face-to-face combat. Whether it is India's Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, or Israel's Operation Rising Lion against Iran, Iran's counteroffensive, or Operation Midnight Hammer, the salient features remain the same: Air war, pinpointed targets, extensive planning, and use of unmanned vehicles.

<p>Perhaps the quick operations as seen in India-Pakistan and Israel-Iran conflicts would now become a model for future wars, given the failure of long wars of attrition.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p>

Operation Sindoor, Operation Rising Lion and Operation Midnight Hammer: Are we in the era of quickfix air wars?

<p><strong>Whereabouts of Iran's 60 per cent enriched uranium:</strong> Where is Iran's near-weapons grade uranium, enriched up to 60 per cent, close to the 90 per cent required to build nuclear bombs? This question is lingering a day after the US claimed to have struck key Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday (June 22). Iran is thought to possess up to 400 kg of uranium enriched up to 60 per cent.<br>Conflicting reports are emerging on the status of this material, which could be dangerous, and could help Iran resume its programme when the dust settles. Here is what we know about the current status of Iranian nuclear material.</p><h2>Did trucks remove Iranian nuclear material?</h2><p>That would appear to be the case if one goes by some Western media reports. The Newsweek, for instance, reported on satellite images that allegedly showed trucks in motion in the areas attacked by the US, much ahead of the bombings. The report claimed that 16 cargo trucks were spotted near a road to the Fordow nuclear site's tunnel entrance on June 19, way before the US attacks. &nbsp;Citing the satellite imaging company Maxar, it said most of these trucks moved a kilometre northwest of the access road by June 20. The same day, new trucks and bulldozers appeared close to the main entrance. One truck, Maxar said, was very near the main tunnel entrance.</p><h2>Iran claims nuclear sites were evacuated, Israel has ‘interesting intel’</h2><p>The truck movement reports came amid Iranian claims that the nuclear material had been moved ahead of the US bombing. The state media reports claimed that the enriched uranium had been moved to a ‘safe location’.&nbsp;</p><p><br>Amid continuing speculation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that Israel has ‘interesting intel’ on the Iranian nuclear material. Israeli media outlets like the Times of Israel reported, citing Bibi, that Israel knows the ‘whereabouts of Iran’s 400 kg of 60 per cent enriched uranium’. He did not go into details.</p><h2>But wait, was the nuclear material not in Fordow?</h2><p>Fordow, the under-mountain site believed to host a uranium enrichment plant, was the main target of the US strike. Satellite images showed some holes after the 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs, formally known as Massive Ordnance Penetrators, hit the site.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>But according to a New York Times report, the 60 per cent enriched uranium was not in Fordow. It was stored somewhere deep in the nuclear site of Isfahan. These are kept in small casks that can fit in trunks of around 10 cars, &nbsp;it said.</p><p><br><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/operation-midnight-hammer-pentagon-calls-it-largest-b-2-operational-strike-in-u-s-history-1750659063331/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/operation-midnight-hammer-pentagon-calls-it-largest-b-2-operational-strike-in-u-s-history-1750659063331/embed</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>UN nuclear watchdog IAEAs' chief Rafael Grossi said on CNN on Sunday that “Iran has made no secret that they have protected this material.” And he answered in the affirmative when asked by NYT if the stockpile has been removed.</p><h2>US officials are still clueless about Iran's enriched uranium stockpile</h2><p>As per the NYT report, US officials have 'conceded' they do not know where Iran's nuclear stockpile is. The report noted that US Vice President JD Vance and IAEA's Grossi have both acknowledged this.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Vance told the news channel ABC that the US, in the coming weeks, will "do something with that fuel.<br><br>This contravenes US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's claims, amplifying Trump's remarks that the US bunker-busting bombs “completely and totally obliterated” Iranian nuclear programme.</p><h2>What did US really achieve with the Operation Midnight Hammer strike on Iran?</h2><p>So, was it ‘mission unaccomplished’ for the US, despite President Donald Trump's claims that the weekend strikes under Operation Midnight Hammer ‘obliterated’ the Iranian nuclear programme? &nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>US and Israeli analysis is that the Fordow site was seriously damaged but not completely destroyed.</p><p><br>In fact, Hegseth, as well as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Caine, were not as hyperbolic as Trump. In remarks on Sunday, they said "severe damage and destruction" was caused by the US attacks that used B2 bombers and submarine-launched Tomahawk missiles targeting three nuclear sites, possibly in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.</p><h2>How dangerous is the 60 per cent enriched uranium with Iran?</h2><p>Technically, 60 per cent uranium is near-bomb grade, and can create up to 10 atomic weapons of some impact.</p><p><br>More than that, as noted in the NYT report, this stockpile could become a bargaining chip for Iran in future negotiations on its nuclear programme. Note that Iran has made it very clear that it will not agree to zero uranium enrichment.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>And, with the threat of Iran exiting the Non-Proliferation Treaty, it might even free the country from obligations not to develop a nuclear weapon.</p>

The truck movement reports came amid Iranian claims that the nuclear material had been moved ahead of the US bombing. The state media reports claimed that the enriched uranium had been moved to a ‘safe location’. 

Whereabouts of Iran's 60 per cent enriched uranium: Where is Iran's near-weapons grade uranium, enriched up to 60 per cent, close to the 90 per cent required to build nuclear bombs? This question is lingering a day after the US claimed to have struck key Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday (June 22). Iran is thought to possess up to 400 kg of uranium enriched up to 60 per cent. Conflicting reports are emerging on the status of this material, which could be dangerous, and could help Iran resume its programme when the dust settles. Here is what we know about the current status of Iranian nuclear material. Did trucks remove Iranian nuclear material? That would appear to be the case if one goes by some Western media reports. The Newsweek, for instance, reported on satellite images that allegedly showed trucks in motion in the areas attacked by the US, much ahead of the bombings. The report claimed that 16 cargo trucks were spotted near a road to the Fordow nuclear site's tunnel entrance on June 19, way before the US attacks. Citing the satellite imaging company Maxar, it said most of these trucks moved a kilometre northwest of the access road by June 20. The same day, new trucks and bulldozers appeared close to the main entrance. One truck, Maxar said, was very near the main tunnel entrance. Iran claims nuclear sites were evacuated, Israel has ‘interesting intel’ The truck movement reports came amid Iranian claims that the nuclear material had been moved ahead of the US bombing. The state media reports claimed that the enriched uranium had been moved to a ‘safe location’. Amid continuing speculation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that Israel has ‘interesting intel’ on the Iranian nuclear material. Israeli media outlets like the Times of Israel reported, citing Bibi, that Israel knows the ‘whereabouts of Iran’s 400 kg of 60 per cent enriched uranium’. He did not go into details. But wait, was the nuclear material not in Fordow? Fordow, the under-mountain site believed to host a uranium enrichment plant, was the main target of the US strike. Satellite images showed some holes after the 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs, formally known as Massive Ordnance Penetrators, hit the site. But according to a New York Times report, the 60 per cent enriched uranium was not in Fordow. It was stored somewhere deep in the nuclear site of Isfahan. These are kept in small casks that can fit in trunks of around 10 cars, it said. https://www.wionews.com/videos/operation-midnight-hammer-pentagon-calls-it-largest-b-2-operational-strike-in-u-s-history-1750659063331/embed UN nuclear watchdog IAEAs' chief Rafael Grossi said on CNN on Sunday that “Iran has made no secret that they have protected this material.” And he answered in the affirmative when asked by NYT if the stockpile has been removed. US officials are still clueless about Iran's enriched uranium stockpile As per the NYT report, US officials have 'conceded' they do not know where Iran's nuclear stockpile is. The report noted that US Vice President JD Vance and IAEA's Grossi have both acknowledged this. Vance told the news channel ABC that the US, in the coming weeks, will "do something with that fuel. This contravenes US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's claims, amplifying Trump's remarks that the US bunker-busting bombs “completely and totally obliterated” Iranian nuclear programme. What did US really achieve with the Operation Midnight Hammer strike on Iran? So, was it ‘mission unaccomplished’ for the US, despite President Donald Trump's claims that the weekend strikes under Operation Midnight Hammer ‘obliterated’ the Iranian nuclear programme? US and Israeli analysis is that the Fordow site was seriously damaged but not completely destroyed. In fact, Hegseth, as well as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Caine, were not as hyperbolic as Trump. In remarks on Sunday, they said "severe damage and destruction" was caused by the US attacks that used B2 bombers and submarine-launched Tomahawk missiles targeting three nuclear sites, possibly in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. How dangerous is the 60 per cent enriched uranium with Iran? Technically, 60 per cent uranium is near-bomb grade, and can create up to 10 atomic weapons of some impact. More than that, as noted in the NYT report, this stockpile could become a bargaining chip for Iran in future negotiations on its nuclear programme. Note that Iran has made it very clear that it will not agree to zero uranium enrichment. And, with the threat of Iran exiting the Non-Proliferation Treaty, it might even free the country from obligations not to develop a nuclear weapon.

<p>Technically, 60 per cent uranium is near-bomb grade, and can create up to 10 atomic weapons of some impact.</p>

Where is Iran's near-bomb-grade uranium? Tehran says removed, Israel claims has ‘intel’, US clueless after bombing sites