Daijiworld Media Network – Tehran
Tehran, Jun 24: A top aide to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has declared that “the game is not over,” following US-led strikes on Iran’s key nuclear facilities. The statement comes amid growing international concerns over the fate of Tehran’s enriched uranium stockpile.
The Donald Trump-led US administration launched precision airstrikes on June 21, targeting Iran’s Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz uranium enrichment facilities. The attacks were carried out using B-2 stealth bombers armed with Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs), with Trump claiming the targets were “completely and totally obliterated.”
However, Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation chief Mohammad Eslami said on state TV that the regime had taken “necessary measures” to ensure the continuity of its nuclear programme. "Plans for restarting the facilities were prepared in advance," Eslami said, assuring that production and services would not be disrupted.
Adding fuel to the fire, a senior adviser to Khamenei said Iran still retains stocks of enriched uranium, casting doubt on the success of the US mission. This has triggered unease in Washington, as US officials struggle to confirm the whereabouts of approximately 400 kg of highly enriched uranium.
US Vice President JD Vance admitted in two separate interviews that the stockpile might still be inside Iran. Speaking to Fox News, Vance said, “Our goal was to bury the uranium, and I do think the uranium is buried,” implying that the material could remain sealed beneath the destroyed facilities. He also noted the aim was to eliminate Iran’s capacity to weaponise its enriched fuel.
The airstrikes followed a massive Israeli offensive—Operation Rising Lion—on June 13, which targeted nuclear infrastructure and killed several top Iranian military commanders. In retaliation, Iran launched missile attacks on Israeli positions.
Trump announced on Tuesday that both countries had reached a ceasefire agreement, ending what he called “The 12 Day War.” Posting on Truth Social, he wrote, “I would like to congratulate both Countries, Israel and Iran, on having the Stamina, Courage, and Intelligence to end this.”
Even as the ceasefire holds, questions remain over Iran’s nuclear capabilities and the next moves in this high-stakes regional conflict.