Everything you need to know about Iran’s nuclear program

Israel’s sweeping surprise attack on Iran last week marked a major escalation in tensions, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declaring it had “struck at the head of Iran’s nuclear weaponization program.”

While Tehran insists its program is peaceful and the U.S. intelligence community says Iran isn’t currently building a bomb, concerns remain that Iran could weaponize quickly if it chooses.

Here’s a breakdown of Iran’s nuclear capabilities, progress, and the risks ahead.

When did Iran’s nuclear program begin?

• Initiated in 1957 with U.S. support under the Shah’s rule
• Accelerated during the 1970s for peaceful energy purposes
• After the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Western support ended and fears grew over weaponization
   

Despite claims of peaceful intent, Iran’s uranium enrichment has drawn global scrutiny.

Why is the program controversial?

• Uranium enrichment: Low levels (3.67%) are used for energy; 90% enrichment is weapons-grade
• Iran resumed enrichment in 2006 after a brief halt
• 2015 nuclear deal: Limited Iran’s enrichment to 3.67% and slashed uranium stockpiles
• Trump withdrew from the deal in 2018, and Iran ramped up enrichment afterward
   

Where does Iran stand now?

Iran has made major strides toward weapons-grade uranium:

• 2023: Uranium particles enriched to 83.7% found
• 2024: Stockpile of 60% enriched uranium reached 128.3 kg
• 2025: That stockpile has more than tripled to 408 kg, enough for up to 9 bombs if enriched to 90%
   

Breakout time: Estimated at just 1–2 weeks to produce enough weapons-grade material for one bomb

Centrifuge advancements, including IR-6 and IR-9 models, have drastically reduced the time needed to produce nuclear fuel.

What exactly is enriched uranium?

Uranium enrichment increases the percentage of uranium-235, the isotope needed for energy—and weapons.

• Natural uranium: 99.3% U-238, 0.7% U-235
• Enrichment uses centrifuges to increase U-235 concentration
• Power plant fuel: ~3.67%
• Bomb material: ~90%
   

Iran has achieved 60% enrichment—technically not bomb-grade, but dangerously close.

Has Iran violated international agreements?

Yes. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says Iran has breached its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and surveillance agreements. For the first time in nearly two decades, the agency passed a formal resolution against Tehran in 2025. Iran has responded by further escalating its activities.

Which facilities are involved?

Iran’s key nuclear sites include:

• Natanz: Main uranium enrichment site. Attacked and engulfed in flames on Friday.
• Fordow: Deep underground facility that may resist conventional strikes.
• Isfahan and Bushehr: Other key sites, reportedly unharmed so far.
   

Iran has invested heavily in hardening its facilities against airstrikes by burying them underground.

What damage has Israel done?

• Struck Natanz and multiple enrichment facilities
• Killed six nuclear scientists, per Iranian state media
• Targeted centrifuge development centers
• Fordow, Isfahan, and Bushehr still operational as of now
   

While the full scope of the damage is unclear, experts say total destruction of Iran’s nuclear program would require sustained, complex strikes due to its depth and dispersion.

Bottom line: Iran’s nuclear ambitions remain a flashpoint in global security. With stockpiles of enriched uranium growing and military strikes escalating, the world watches to see if diplomacy—or further conflict—will shape what comes next.

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News Politics Iran’s nuclear program Iran uranium enrichment nuclear weapons