What it would take for the U.S. to secure Iran's highly enriched uranium | 60 Minutes
In a Nutshell
Iran possesses enough highly enriched uranium (HEU)—nearly 1,000 lb at 60% purity, enough for 10-11 bombs—likely hidden in deep underground tunnels at sites like Isfahan, unverified since last June amid ongoing war. The US could secure it via a cooperative deal like 1994's Project Sapphire, which airlifted 1,300 lb of 90% HEU from Kazakhstan using diplomacy and NNSA experts, or through a high-risk military operation requiring thousands of troops, weeks of perimeter control, and heavy equipment to excavate and extract it despite Iranian defenses and casualties. Experts stress that bombing alone can't eliminate the threat or Iran's knowledge, emphasizing the need for verified agreements with in-depth international monitoring for a lasting solution.
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The fate of the war between Iran and America hangs on HEU, highly enriched uranium, essential for nuclear weapons. Iran has enough HEU to make 10 atomic bombs. International inspectors have not verified Iran's stockpile since last June, when the US and Israel struck three nuclear sites. Over the last 7 weeks of war, President Trump insists the US will secure whatever is left, either with boots on the ground or by striking a deal with the Iranian regime to allow scientists to secure the stockpile and bring it to the United States.
This option was done before in a high-stakes mission after the Soviet Union fell apart. In 1994, Iran was pursuing nuclear material. Andrew Weber, a young foreign service officer in Kazakhstan (fourth largest nuclear arsenal left by Soviets), discovered HEU in a factory meant for nuclear power. Using diplomacy and a moose hunting trip, Weber built trust with the factory director. The director passed a note: U-235, 90%, 600 kg—dozens of nuclear weapons. Uranium enriched to 90% is ready for bombs.
Revelation reached President Bill Clinton. US and Kazakhstan agreed: US would take the stockpile to prevent Iran and North Korea from acquiring it. They could have bought the 90% enriched uranium metal to fabricate bombs quickly. Weber led Project Sapphire, the first of its kind. He photographed canisters with over 1,300 lb of bomb-grade uranium, protected only by a militia woman with a sidearm and an antique shop padlock.
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