Israel warns Iran could attempt to retrieve Uranium from bombed site, says 'it won't go unnoticed'

This handout satellite photo obtained from Planet Labs PBC and dated on June 23, 2025, shows the Isfahan nuclear enrichment facility in central Iran after US strikes.

Iran may be eyeing a dangerous recovery operation, and Israel is watching closely. A senior Israeli official has warned that Tehran could attempt to retrieve enriched uranium buried beneath the Isfahan nuclear facility, one of three key sites struck by US cruise missiles during Operation Midnight Hammer on June 22. The warning comes amid growing concern that, despite President Donald Trump’s claim of having “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, some material may have survived the strikes, setting the stage for renewed tensions and the potential for fresh Israeli military action.

“Reaching the uranium would be extremely difficult but if they try, it won’t go unnoticed and it would have consequences,” the official told the BBC, adding that Israel believes the airstrike has set back Iran’s nuclear program by two years.

About the attack

Operation Midnight Hammer involved a coordinated strike using GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs delivered by B‑2 bombers and submarine-launched Tomahawks, targeting the Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow nuclear sites.

US President Donald Trump claimed the strike “obliterated” Iran's nuclear infrastructure; a White House statement echoed, saying the world is now “safer thanks to his decisive leadership”.

Differing damage assessments

Leaked DIA assessments suggest the structures were severely damaged but not fully destroyed, potentially delaying Iran’s nuclear progress by only a few months. CIA Director John Ratcliffe stated that the strike crippled Iran’s ability to produce metallic uranium, a key step toward weaponisation.

The IAEA confirmed the facilities suffered “enormous damage,” but cautioned that Iran may retain elements to restart its enrichment program.

What remains underground

Despite the bombardment, some enriched uranium (with nearly 60% purity) remains buried beneath the rubble, especially at Isfahan. According to Israel, its intelligence is monitoring for any Iranian retrieval operations.

Prime Minister Netanyahu noted they believe they “know where it is” and that any attempt by Iran to extract it would be watched closely.

The Israeli official emphasised that any attempt by Iran to reach the uranium would be detected immediately, and would prompt a strong military response.

“If they try, it won’t go unnoticed and it would have consequences,” the official said.

Israel estimates the strikes set back Iran’s nuclear timeline by around two years, though US analysts suggest it may be a shorter delay of several months. The differing assessments suggest Iran may have relocated some uranium and centrifuges before the strikes, a move supported by pre-bomb imagery of trucks and dirt near tunnels.

Meanwhile, the IAEA continues to press for inspection access to assess the full damage and any residual contamination.