U.S. Officials Confirm Iran Was Not Able to Move Enriched Uranium Before Strikes

Top U.S. officials, including President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, asserted that Iran did not relocate any significant amounts of highly enriched uranium prior to Saturday’s military strikes on its nuclear facilities. Trump emphasized, “Nothing was taken out,” dismissing early suspicions of Iran’s possible efforts to transfer nuclear material during the days leading up to the attacks.

Despite satellite images showing trucks parked outside Fordow — one of the targeted sites — Hegseth explained that these were likely related to routine construction activities and not evidence of uranium removal. “The vehicles were probably construction workers covering shafts,” he stated, emphasizing the logistics difficulties Iran would face in attempting to transfer such materials quickly.

Hegseth also challenged reports suggesting the strikes’ effectiveness, dismissing a leaked assessment from the Defense Intelligence Agency that hinted Iran might only be set back by months. He insisted the operation was a historic success, with the Pentagon reviewing all intelligence to verify the strategic impact.

Footage released by the Department of Defense showed the use of massive bunker-buster bombs against Iran’s nuclear sites, underscoring the scale of the U.S. effort. Additionally, Hegseth criticized media outlets for downplaying the success of the strikes, which he says “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities. He also condemned the leak of a preliminary DIA report, claiming it attempted to undermine the mission by suggesting limited impact.

Hegseth concluded by emphasizing the bravery of U.S. military personnel and criticizing the media for allegedly undermining their efforts through negative coverage. The overall message conveyed is that the strikes were effective and that Iran was unable to preemptively move or hide its nuclear materials prior to the attack.