The majority of Iran's highly enriched uranium is likely still located at the Isfahan nuclear complex, according to the head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog. Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stated in an interview that satellite imagery confirms the effects of recent US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran, and the agency continues to gather intelligence.
IAEA Inspections Suspended Since June 2025 War
IAEA inspections at Isfahan ceased when Israel launched a 12-day war last June, during which the United States bombed three Iranian nuclear sites. Grossi explained that a large percentage of Iran's highly enriched uranium was stored at Isfahan when the conflict erupted and has remained there ever since. He noted that the IAEA has been unable to verify the material's status or confirm that agency seals remain intact.
Satellite images from Airbus show a truck carrying 18 blue containers entering a tunnel at the Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center on June 9, 2025, just before the war began. These containers are believed to hold highly enriched uranium and likely remain in the tunnel.
IAEA Demands Access to All Iranian Nuclear Sites
Grossi emphasized that Iran must open all its nuclear facilities to IAEA inspection under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, which is currently under review at UN headquarters. The IAEA also seeks access to sites at Natanz and Fordo, where additional nuclear material is stored.
According to the IAEA, Iran possesses 440.9 kilograms (972 pounds) of uranium enriched up to 60% purity, a short technical step from weapons-grade levels of 90%. Grossi estimates that roughly 200 kilograms (about 440 pounds) is stored in tunnels at Isfahan. This stockpile could potentially enable Iran to build up to 10 nuclear bombs if it decides to weaponize its program, though Tehran insists its nuclear activities are peaceful.
US-Israeli Strikes and New Enrichment Facility
President Donald Trump stated that a major reason for US involvement in the war was to deny Iran nuclear weapons capability, even as he claimed that last summer's strikes "obliterated" Iran's atomic program. Grossi revealed that Iran declared a new uranium enrichment facility at Isfahan last June, and IAEA inspectors were scheduled to visit on the day strikes began. The facility apparently escaped damage in both this year's and last year's attacks.
Discussions on Removing Iran's Enriched Uranium
The IAEA has engaged with Russia and other parties about the possibility of shipping Iran's highly enriched uranium out of the country, a complex operation requiring either a political agreement or a major US military operation. Trump mentioned that Russian President Vladimir Putin renewed an offer to assist the US in handling Iran's enriched uranium, but Trump emphasized Putin's involvement in ending the war in Ukraine.
Grossi stressed the importance of either removing the material from Iran or blending it down to reduce enrichment levels. The IAEA participated in US-Iran nuclear talks in February but has not been part of recent ceasefire negotiations mediated by Pakistan. The agency has held separate discussions with the US and informal talks with Iran.
Political Will Needed for a Deal
Trump rejected Iran's latest proposal, which called for postponing nuclear discussions in exchange for ending Iran's chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz if the US lifts its blockade and ends the war. Grossi noted that Iran's nuclear program has expanded exponentially since the 2015 deal, with advanced centrifuges and new facilities, making negotiations a "completely different ballgame."
The IAEA chief stressed that reaching a deal requires political will from Tehran, adding that Iran must be convinced of the importance of negotiation. While both Iranian leaders and the US president express willingness to negotiate, they disagree on priorities. Grossi sees a "flicker of hope" as both sides show interest in an agreement.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented that Iranians are skilled negotiators seeking to buy time, and any agreement must definitively prevent them from sprinting toward a nuclear weapon.
