CENTCOM chief: Iran had 60% enriched uranium before war
Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, told the Senate that Iran possessed uranium enriched up to 60% before the US-Israel war — a level with no civilian use. He said US and Israeli attacks have “virtually eliminated” Iran’s ballistic missile capability, which will take years to rebuild.
The top US military commander for the Middle East has confirmed that Iran possessed highly enriched uranium prior to the outbreak of war with the United States and Israel earlier this year. In testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday, Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command (CENTCOM), responded affirmatively when asked whether Iran had uranium enriched to 60%, stating: “Yes, sir. They did.” Cooper noted there is no civilian application for uranium enriched to that threshold and said the war has extended the time Iran would need to develop a nuclear weapon.
Capabilities ‘virtually eliminated’
Cooper declined to comment on whether securing nuclear material would require US ground forces in Iran. He alleged that in late 2025, Iran dramatically increased its ballistic missile production, but maintained that US and Israeli attacks have “virtually eliminated” that capability. “Iran had a large-scale capability to produce ballistic missiles beyond which could potentially be defended. That capability has been virtually eliminated,” he said. He added that it would take years for Iran to rebuild its missile and drone programs, and a “full generation” to reconstitute its navy.
Iran unable to supply allies
Cooper also stated that as a result of the war, Iran can no longer supply its regional proxies, including Lebanese Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthis. “As we sit here today, they are unable to resource and supply Hezbollah, Hamas or the Houthis,” he said. His testimony comes amid fragile ceasefire negotiations brokered by Pakistan, with both sides exchanging proposals but failing to reach a lasting agreement.
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