The International Atomic Energy Agency lost continuity of knowledge across all of Iran's declared nuclear facilities following US and Israeli strikes that began on February 28, 2026, a loss that could not be restored, a senior UN official told the Security Council on Friday.
Rosemary DiCarlo, UN under-secretary-general for political and peacebuilding affairs, said the loss extended to the production and current inventory of centrifuges, rotors and bellows, heavy water, and uranium ore concentrate. She cited the secretary-general's most recent report on resolution 2231, which was adopted in 2015 and unanimously endorsed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action nuclear deal, providing sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on Iran's nuclear program.
IAEA's Situational Awareness Deteriorated Significantly
The IAEA also reported a significant deterioration in its situational awareness following the attacks against Iran by the United States and Israel, DiCarlo said during her briefing on non-proliferation issues under resolution 2231.
The IAEA had not conducted any in-field verification activities under Iran's Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Safeguards Agreement, the same instrument that had allowed it to monitor Tehran's commitments under the JCPOA, DiCarlo added.
Iran's Decision to Cease Additional Protocol Worsened Situation
The situation has been compounded by Iran's decision to cease provisional application of its Additional Protocol in February 2021. After that, the agency received no updated declarations from Tehran and was unable to conduct complementary access to any sites or locations in the country, DiCarlo explained.
Despite the bleak assessment of the monitoring regime, DiCarlo said parties to the dispute continue to signal openness to a negotiated settlement.
Diplomatic Solutions Still Sought
While significant differences remain between the relevant parties on the way forward regarding resolution 2231 and the JCPOA, they have all underscored the importance of a diplomatic solution and indicated readiness to engage with each other for this purpose, she said.
The June 17 Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Iran contains several important agreements already reached on nuclear issues, including resolving the disposition of Iran's enriched uranium stockpile, on-site down blending of enriched material under IAEA supervision, and a commitment to discuss enrichment and other matters tied to Iran's nuclear needs.
Framework for Further Negotiations Critical
Today, a framework for further negotiations remains a critical step towards the peaceful settlement of the Iran nuclear issue, DiCarlo said.
She added that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was calling on all parties to engage constructively and in good faith to reach a peaceful, comprehensive and durable resolution consistent with the objectives of resolution 2231 and the broader goal of strengthening international peace and security. The UN stands ready to support these efforts, she concluded.
