Washington: Top US officials told senators that Iran remains only “weeks away” from achieving weapons-grade uranium enrichment amid growing concerns over global instability, nuclear security and tensions in the Gulf region.

US Raises Alarm Over Iran’s Nuclear Progress

During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Wednesday, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright warned lawmakers that Tehran was dangerously close to crossing the nuclear threshold.

“When you’re at 60 per cent, you are, although the numbers don’t sound that way, you’re way more than 90 per cent of the way there for the enrichment necessary for weapons-grade uranium,” Wright said. “It’s very concerning.”

The hearing, focused on the Department of Energy’s fiscal year 2027 budget and America’s nuclear security programme, also highlighted concerns about China, Russia and the future of US nuclear deterrence.

Senators Warn of Growing Global Nuclear Threats

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker warned that the United States faces an increasingly dangerous global environment as China and Russia continue expanding and modernising their nuclear capabilities.

“China is moving well beyond a minimum deterrent,” Wicker said. “China’s building a far larger and more sophisticated nuclear force.”

Lawmakers also raised concerns over delays in modernising America’s aging nuclear infrastructure, much of which dates back to the Manhattan Project era. Wright defended the administration’s efforts, saying the National Nuclear Security Administration was restoring focus on “deterrence, urgency and production.”

“The surest way to prevent nuclear war is to ensure America’s strength is never in doubt,” he said.

According to Wright, the US is currently carrying out seven major warhead modernization programs simultaneously, with all projects reportedly ahead of schedule.

Gulf Conflict, Energy Security and AI in Focus

Democratic Senator Jack Reed highlighted the economic impact of tensions in the Gulf and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, claiming American households were already facing higher fuel costs.

Lawmakers also questioned whether the administration might resume explosive nuclear testing. Senator Jacky Rosen asked officials to commit to avoiding renewed nuclear tests, to which Wright responded that explosive testing was not necessary to ensure the reliability of US nuclear weapons.

National Nuclear Security Administration Administrator Brandon Williams said the US conducts more than 1,000 tests annually on its nuclear stockpile without actual detonations.

Artificial intelligence and energy security also emerged as key topics during the hearing, with officials noting increased investment in AI-related nuclear security initiatives and the growing importance of nuclear energy in meeting future power demands.