NatSec Matters The State of Iran's Nuclear Program: David Albright
Sep 17, 2025
David Albright, the President and founder of the Institute for Science and International Security, shares his expertise on Iran's nuclear program. He discusses the extensive damage from recent US and Israeli strikes to key facilities like Esfahan and Natanz. Albright delves into the uncertainty surrounding missing enriched uranium and the challenges faced by international monitors. He also highlights the implications of targeted killings on Iran's nuclear ambitions and the risks associated with unknown weaponization sites.
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Critical Systems Moved Or Protected
- Natanz, Fordow, and Esfahan show severe damage and dispersed critical systems like chillers.
- Iran appears to be protecting residual assets rather than restoring full operations.
Dangerous Remnant: Missing Enriched Uranium
- Significant quantities of enriched uranium remain: ~540 kg at 60%, ~200 kg at 20%, and several tons at 5%.
- The location of much of this HEU is uncertain and possibly under rubble or hidden.
Force IAEA Access To Verify Material
- The IAEA must secure inspector access to destroyed sites to verify and account for nuclear material.
- Push for concrete modalities and resist Iranian delay tactics to avoid long-term uncertainty.