Irans uranium-enrichment programme must be dismantled, USs Wright says

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U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright speaks on the opening day of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference at the agencys headquarters in Vienna, Austria, September 15, 2025. REUTERS/Lisa Leutner

VIENNA - Irans uranium-enrichment programme must be completely dismantled, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright told the U.N. nuclear watchdogs annual General Conference on Monday.

The U.S. and Israel bombed Irans uranium-enrichment plants in June, arguing Iran was getting too close to being able to produce a nuclear weapon, even though the International Atomic Energy Agency that inspects Irans nuclear facilities said it had no credible indication of a coordinated weapons programme.

The IAEA has, however, said it is concerning that Iran amassed an estimated 440.9 kg (972 lbs) of uranium enriched to up to 60% purity, close to the roughly 90% of weapons-grade. That is enough, if enriched further, for 10 nuclear bombs, according to an IAEA yardstick.

Irans enrichment plants were seriously damaged or destroyed in the attacks. It is less clear what happened to its stock of enriched uranium. The IAEA has not been able to carry out verification inspections since the attacks.

If it wasnt already clear enough, I will restate the United States position on Iran, Wright said in a speech to the meeting of all IAEA member states.

Irans nuclear weapons pathway, including all (uranium) enrichment and (plutonium) reprocessing capabilities, must be completely dismantled.

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