The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed grave concerns over its inability to verify the status of Iran’s near weapons-grade uranium stockpile following Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear sites during the 12-day conflict in June. According to a confidential report circulated to member states and reviewed by The Associated Press, the IAEA emphasized the urgent need to address the situation. Iran’s stockpile, as of September, stands at 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity—just a technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi warned that this stockpile could potentially enable Iran to produce up to 10 nuclear bombs, though he clarified that there is no evidence Iran has weaponized its program. Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear activities are peaceful, but the IAEA and Western nations contend that Tehran had an organized nuclear weapons program until 2003. Under its safeguards agreement with the IAEA, Iran is required to submit a ‘special report’ detailing the status and location of its nuclear materials, particularly after events like attacks or natural disasters. However, Iran suspended cooperation with the IAEA following the June conflict, though it later permitted inspections of undamaged facilities after a September agreement between Grossi and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. This cooperation was short-lived, as the reimposition of UN sanctions later that month prompted Iran to halt the implementation of the agreement. European powers justified the sanctions by invoking the snapback mechanism, citing Iran’s failure to engage in direct talks with the U.S., fully cooperate with the IAEA, and clarify the status of its near weapons-grade uranium stockpile.
UN watchdog hasn’t been able to verify Iran’s stockpile of near-weapons grade uranium in months
