Iran can restore enriched uranium in Isfahan
According to a report by the BBC citing a senior Israeli official, Iran may have the capability to restore enriched uranium from nuclear facilities targeted by the US last month, specifically from underground structures in Isfahan. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
In a statement to journalists in Washington, an unnamed Israeli official revealed that on June 22, during an operation called "Midnight Hammer," the nuclear facility in Isfahan was struck by cruise missiles launched from submarines. According to intelligence reports, enriched uranium was buried precisely at this location.
Nevertheless, the process of restoring enriched uranium is complex, and any action could lead to new strikes by Israel. The official stated that if Iran attempts to restore this material, such actions will be detected.
Israel estimates that the strikes have delayed Iran's nuclear program by at least two years. Former US President Donald Trump and his administration claimed to have completely destroyed Iran's nuclear facilities.
White House Press Secretary Anna Kelly emphasized that the "Midnight Hammer" operation has completely destroyed Iran's nuclear facilities and made the world a safer place. However, US intelligence agencies are approaching these claims with caution.
The initial report from the Defense Intelligence Agency noted that the facilities in Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan were seriously damaged but not completely destroyed. CIA Director John Ratcliffe stated in a report to Congress at the end of June that Iran's capability to produce metallic uranium has been eliminated, significantly reducing its potential to create nuclear weapons.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director Rafael Grossi, in an interview, mentioned that the facilities have been significantly damaged, but some parts have still been preserved. According to him, it would be incorrect to say that "everything is gone."
Iranian President Mahmoud Pezeshkian recently confirmed in an interview with an American commentator that the facilities have been seriously damaged, which is why they cannot access them for now. He also added that a full assessment is currently impossible.
Thus, Iran is facing difficulties in restoring its nuclear facilities, but this process has not come to a halt.
