IAEA Cannot Confirm Iran’s Nuclear Material Status Amid Security Concerns
The IAEA has expressed inability to confirm whether Iran has diverted nuclear materials, urging for inspections amid security issues.
NEW DELHI, Nov 13: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated it cannot confirm that Iran has not diverted nuclear material from its peaceful activities, as inspections of key sites remain blocked. This announcement reflects the agency’s ongoing concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear program following military attacks on its facilities in recent years.
In a report circulated among member states, the IAEA called for Iran to restore access for inspectors, noting that such measures are essential for monitoring the country’s nuclear program. The report indicated that the lack of information about Iran’s nuclear sites and materials raises serious proliferation concerns that must be addressed immediately.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi emphasized the critical need for verification activities in Iran, stating that the agency is prepared to resume its safeguards operations at short notice. However, the agency has not had access to significant facilities since June 2025, when the U.S. and Israel conducted airstrikes targeting nuclear sites.
Access to the Isfahan Fuel Enrichment Plant remains a major issue, with inspectors currently unaware of its precise location or whether it contains any nuclear material. The IAEA pointed out that unless direct access is granted, it cannot establish the status of Iran’s uranium stockpile, which had reached approximately 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% prior to the military actions.
The Iranian government has cited security concerns as a barrier to granting inspections, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei reaffirming Iran’s commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. He blamed U.S. and Israeli attacks for limiting cooperation with the IAEA.
The IAEA report also noted that discussions on resuming inspections cannot proceed due to what Iran described as ongoing threats from the United States. It said that resolving these security issues is crucial for restoring normal inspection protocols.
In its pursuit of transparency, the IAEA has urged Iran to consider incremental technical measures that would facilitate access for inspections, stressing the urgency of resolving these proliferation concerns for the stability of the region.