Iran's nuclear programme set back by up to two years after US-Israeli strikes
Updated
Updated · The Wall Street Journal · May 8
Iran's nuclear programme set back by up to two years after US-Israeli strikes
13 articles · Updated · The Wall Street Journal · May 8
The Institute for Science and International Security said at least six sites hit since 28 February included enrichment plants and weaponisation-linked locations, and some nuclear scientists were killed.
It said much of Iran's enriched uranium stockpile is now effectively trapped at monitored sites, making movement easier to detect and any bomb-making effort harder to carry out.
Before last June's strikes on three key sites, Iran could likely have produced a crude device within six months; now success is no longer near-certain even over nine months to two years.
Did strikes delay Iran's bomb, or just hide its most dangerous materials beyond anyone's reach?
After its leader's death, will Iran's new regime trade its nuclear program for survival?
With intelligence reports clashing, is the world flying blind into a potential nuclear crisis?
Assessing the April-May 2026 Military Campaign Against Iran: Limited Nuclear Delay Amid Escalating Regional Conflict
Overview
In April-May 2026, US and Israeli forces launched strikes on Iran's nuclear sites, causing limited damage to its nuclear progress but triggering Iran's massive missile and drone retaliation against Israel. These attacks also led Iran to suspend cooperation with the IAEA, crippling nuclear oversight, and collapse ongoing diplomatic talks. Despite losses, Iran retains a significant stockpile of enriched uranium and weaponization expertise, enabling a potential nuclear weapon within a year. The IRGC's rise to power has hardened Iran's stance, prompting rejection of US demands and threats to withdraw from the NPT. In response to a US naval blockade, Iran disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, sparking a global energy crisis and escalating regional tensions.