Vance and Cotton spread false Iran claims on Sunday shows

Iran possessed 408.6 kg of uranium enriched to 60% as of May 2025—enough material for roughly 7–9 nuclear weapons if further enriched to 90%—and its stockpile grew by 133.8 kg since February (ISIS Nuclear Analysis May 2025).

Nuclear experts estimate Iran could convert its existing 60% enriched uranium to weapons-grade (90%) in about one week using current centrifuge infrastructure (FactCheck.org).

The IAEA reported on June 13 2025 that Iran’s Natanz enrichment site was impacted by strikes but showed no elevated radiation levels; Fordow and Esfahan facilities were unaffected (IAEA Official Statement).

Operation Praying Mantis (April 1988) sank one Iranian frigate, severely damaged another, sank a patrol boat and several smaller vessels; this action was a significant factor in Iran’s acceptance of a UN ceasefire three months later (Naval History Magazine, Wikipedia).

By February 2025 Iran was operating approximately 16,900 enriching centrifuges—well above the 5,060-centrifuge limit under the JCPOA—demonstrating rapid expansion of its nuclear capability (ISIS Nuclear Analysis February 2025).

On October 23 1983, a suicide truck bombing in Beirut killed 241 U.S. Marines; U.S. intelligence and courts later held Iran and its Revolutionary Guards legally responsible, with Hezbollah carrying out the attack (Wikipedia Beirut Bombings).

Approximately 35,000 U.S. troops were deployed across Middle East bases in mid-2025, representing a potential vulnerability in any escalation with Iran (TIME War Powers Analysis).

Senator Tim Kaine and Representative Thomas Massie introduced bipartisan war powers resolutions under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, giving these measures privileged status that requires both chambers to promptly debate and vote (TIME War Powers Analysis).

Vice President Vance claimed a 125-aircraft mission involving 30-hour non-stop flights—details that experts say were technically impossible—which illustrates the use of precise but unverified figures to enhance perceived authority (ABC This Week Transcript).