The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations' nuclear watchdog, has expressed grave concerns regarding Iran's nuclear program in its latest confidential report. The agency informed member states that it's currently unable to verify whether Iran has completely halted its uranium enrichment activities. According to the report, following a 12-day military conflict in June 2025, Iran has restricted IAEA inspectors' access to several key nuclear sites. These restrictions have made it impossible for international monitors to accurately assess the actual stockpile of enriched uranium and its purity levels.
Challenges in Verifying Uranium Stockpiles
9kg of uranium enriched up to 60% purity. Technically, moving 60% enriched uranium to weapons-grade levels, which is 90% purity, is considered a very small and rapid step. The agency clarified that due to the lack of full access to Iran's four declared enrichment sites, it can't independently confirm the location, current quantity, or purity levels of this stockpile. According to officials, this hindrance in inspection falls under the category of violating international safety standards, as monitoring of such high enrichment levels is mandatory on a monthly basis.
Theoretical Capacity for Nuclear Weaponry
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi indicated in recent statements that Iran's current stockpile of uranium could theoretically be sufficient to produce 10 nuclear bombs. However, Grossi also clarified that having the stockpile doesn't necessarily mean that Iran has developed nuclear weapons. ' When inspectors are barred from sites, gaps occur in camera footage and data logs, making it difficult to determine if any material has been clandestinely moved to another location.
Satellite Observations at Isfahan Facility
Amidst the inspection barriers, the IAEA has identified suspicious activities at the Isfahan nuclear facility through satellite imagery. Regular vehicle movement has been observed near the tunnel entrances of this plant, located approximately 350km southeast of Tehran. Isfahan is the site where uranium gas is prepared, which is later purified through centrifuges, while during the June 2025 conflict, missile strikes were carried out in this area by Israel and the United States, damaging some structures. The agency believes that the activities occurring within these tunnels could be related to the reconstruction or expansion of the enrichment process.
Monitoring Gaps at Natanz and Fordow
Similar uncertainty persists at Iran's most critical enrichment centers, Natanz and Fordow. According to the report, following the June attacks, Iran has only allowed inspectors into sites that remained unaffected by the conflict. However, access to sites under construction, such as the Karun nuclear power plant, remains blocked, while although the Karun plant doesn't currently contain nuclear material, the IAEA argues that monitoring is essential from the early stages to ensure transparency in future activities. The agency has warned member states that without direct inspection, it isn't possible to guarantee the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program.