Danger remains real despite Israeli wins against Iranian nukes, sources tell 'Post'
Iran’s surviving centrifuges, inaccessible enriched uranium, and weapons-group recovery efforts could sustain a future nuclear threat despite the heavy damage inflicted by Israeli and US strikes.
Despite Israeli victories against Iran's nuclear program in the 12-day war of 2025 and early 2026, its potential danger remains real, though not immediate, according to multiple sources speaking to The Jerusalem Post. The positives include Iran currently not operating centrifuges to enrich uranium, 60% and 20% enriched uranium not being readily accessible, and the majority of nuclear facilities being rendered inoperable by airstrikes.
These achievements set back Iran's nuclear program more than previous pause periods in 2003-2007 and 2015-2018. However, the threat remains more serious than hoped for post-war. While a significant portion of Iran's 20,000 centrifuges have been eliminated, a small number survive underground. If salvaged and reconnected, they could potentially be used to weaponize enough uranium for a bomb.
Additionally, Iran could employ underground methods to extract and smuggle out 60% and 20% enriched uranium, bypassing surveillance. The IAEA has been unaware of Iran's nuclear program since the June 2025 war, as it has neither received information nor access to conduct verification. Israeli intelligence is now primarily focusing on preventing Iran from rebuilding such facilities, as Tehran has failed to make significant progress in this area.
Despite the damage to Iran's nuclear program, Iran's ingenuity poses potential vulnerabilities for Israel, though the danger remains reduced and less imminent.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
