Fact Check: "Iran's enriched uranium stockpile is buried so deep it can't be reached."
What We Know
Iran's nuclear program has been a subject of international scrutiny, particularly regarding its enriched uranium stockpile. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that Iran has approximately 400 kg of highly enriched uranium (HEU), concentrated to 60% purity, which could be developed into weapons-grade uranium relatively quickly (The Economist). The IAEA has also indicated that it has lost access to verify the location of this stockpile due to recent military strikes that damaged key facilities, including the Isfahan complex, which houses storage for Iran's enriched uranium (Ynetnews).
Iran's enrichment facilities, such as Natanz and Fordow, are known to be located underground, making them more difficult to target and damage. The Fordow facility, in particular, is described as being buried deep under a mountainside, which complicates any military action aimed at disrupting its operations (The Economist). However, while the facilities are fortified and buried, it is not clear that this makes them completely unreachable.
Analysis
The claim that Iran's enriched uranium stockpile is "buried so deep it can't be reached" is somewhat misleading. While it is true that significant portions of Iran's enrichment capabilities are located underground, military strikes have previously demonstrated that such facilities can be damaged. For instance, American and Israeli strikes have reportedly caused significant damage to Iran's nuclear facilities, including the underground enrichment hall at Natanz, which was affected by the loss of power supply (The Economist).
Moreover, the IAEA's inability to verify the current status of Iran's uranium stockpile raises questions about its exact location and security. The strikes have led to concerns about the potential for Iran to relocate or hide its uranium stockpile, but this does not necessarily imply that the stockpile is unreachable (Economic Times).
The sources used in this analysis are credible, with the IAEA being an authoritative body on nuclear matters, and The Economist providing well-researched reporting on international affairs. However, the interpretation of the depth and security of Iran's uranium stockpile is nuanced and should not be taken at face value.
Conclusion
Verdict: Partially True
The claim that Iran's enriched uranium stockpile is buried so deep it can't be reached is partially true. While it is accurate that many of Iran's nuclear facilities are underground and fortified, military actions have shown that these sites can be targeted and damaged. The current status of Iran's enriched uranium stockpile remains uncertain, but it is not entirely beyond reach. Thus, the claim oversimplifies a complex situation.
