US Energy Secretary Chris Wright: Iran perilously near nuclear bomb capability - report

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF

MAY 14, 2026 07:36

During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright told lawmakers that Iran stands "frighteningly close" to acquiring nuclear weapons, according to a CNN report from Wednesday.

Wright stated, "They are weeks - a small number of weeks - away from enriching that to weapons-grade uranium," pointing to Iran's existing uranium reserves. He added, "There’s still a weaponization process that happens after that, but they’re quite close to constructing nuclear weapons."

Iran holds a stockpile of uranium enriched up to 60%, Wright explained, while CNN pointed out that weapons-grade material requires about 90% enrichment.

The energy secretary emphasized that even uranium at 20% enrichment level is "very concerning," especially considering the sheer volume of Iran's holdings.

CNN reported that Trump administration officials, including President Donald Trump, have cited Iran's enriched uranium stockpile - estimated at a minimum of 11 tons - to support military action against Iran. Trump has insisted that any peace agreement must include Iran surrendering its uranium.

Wright Advocates Seizing Full Uranium Stockpile

Lawmakers heard from Wright that targeting Iran's entire enriched uranium inventory represents a "wise strategy" to dismantle its nuclear enrichment efforts.

"Ultimately, the goal is to prevent future enrichment of uranium as well," Wright said. "Yes, to have a safe world, we need to end their nuclear program."