Fact Check: Iran may have removed enriched uranium before Trump's attack.

Fact Check: "Iran may have removed enriched uranium before Trump's attack."

What We Know

In June 2025, the United States conducted airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, specifically the Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan sites, with the intention of crippling Iran's nuclear capabilities. Following these strikes, various reports emerged suggesting that Iran might have relocated some of its enriched uranium stockpiles prior to the attacks. For instance, a report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) indicated that Iran had moved enriched uranium stockpiles in the days leading up to the bombings, which could have included as much as 400 kilograms of uranium from the Fordow facility (source-2, source-5).

Additionally, analysts suggest that while the airstrikes caused significant damage to the facilities, they likely did not eliminate Iran's nuclear capabilities entirely. The attacks may have set back Iran's nuclear program substantially but not permanently, as Iran has demonstrated resilience in rebuilding its capabilities (source-2, source-6).

Analysis

The claim that Iran may have removed enriched uranium before the U.S. strikes is supported by multiple credible sources. The IAEA's assessment that Iran had moved enriched uranium stockpiles shortly before the attacks lends significant weight to the assertion (source-2). Furthermore, reports from Israeli officials corroborate this, stating that approximately 400 kilograms of uranium were relocated from the Fordow site (source-5).

However, the reliability of these claims can be scrutinized. While the IAEA is a reputable organization, the specifics of the uranium relocation are based on intelligence assessments that can be subject to interpretation. The reports from Israeli officials, while credible, may carry a bias given the geopolitical context and ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran. Additionally, the extent of the damage caused by the airstrikes remains a matter of debate, with differing accounts from U.S. and Iranian sources regarding the effectiveness of the strikes (source-1).

Conclusion

The claim that "Iran may have removed enriched uranium before Trump's attack" is Partially True. There is credible evidence suggesting that Iran did indeed relocate some enriched uranium stockpiles prior to the U.S. strikes, as indicated by both the IAEA and Israeli intelligence reports. However, the full extent and implications of these actions are still unclear, and the effectiveness of the U.S. airstrikes in permanently crippling Iran's nuclear capabilities remains contested. Thus, while the claim has a basis in fact, the surrounding circumstances and interpretations warrant a cautious approach.