US Energy Secretary Chris Wright warned that Iran is “alarmingly close” to developing nuclear weapons, saying Tehran may be only “weeks away” from enriching uranium to weapons-grade levels.

Speaking during a hearing before the US Senate Armed Services Committee, Wright said Iran could enrich one ton of uranium to weapons-grade material within “a few weeks.”

He noted that additional weaponization steps would still be required but stressed that Iran is now “very close” to obtaining a nuclear weapons capability.

Wright explained that uranium enriched beyond roughly 90 percent can be used in the production of nuclear weapons.

When asked by Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal about the remaining 11 tons of uranium reportedly held by Iran, Wright said enrichment levels in those stocks reach up to 60 percent.

He also stated that Tehran possesses “large quantities” of uranium enriched to 20 percent, describing the situation as “extremely concerning.”