UN Nuclear Watchdog Reports Lack Of Access To Iranian Facilities And Uranium Stockpile

The United Nations nuclear watchdog has reported significant limitations in its ability to inspect Iranian nuclear facilities, particularly those affected by the recent conflict, according to a confidential report circulated to member states. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated that it has been unable to verify the current status of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, including its size, composition, and location.

The agency also said it cannot confirm whether Iran has suspended enrichment-related activities, raising fresh concerns over transparency in Tehran’s nuclear programme. In its report, the IAEA warned that it is “unable to discharge its safeguards responsibilities” under the Safeguards Agreement of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The agency described the situation as “indispensable and urgent,” urging Iran to fully implement its obligations under the treaty to allow proper international monitoring.

According to the findings, only one nuclear facility in Iran has been inspected since the agency’s previous report in February. Inspectors visited the Bushehr nuclear power plant between June 1 and June 3. The plant, which operates with Russian-supplied uranium enriched to around 4.5 per cent, is used for civilian electricity generation and remains under regular safeguards monitoring.

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However, the IAEA noted that access to other sites, particularly those impacted by the June conflict, has been denied or delayed, preventing inspectors from conducting a comprehensive assessment of Iran’s nuclear activities. This gap in oversight has heightened concerns among international stakeholders about potential undisclosed developments in Iran’s enrichment programme. The report comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, which have long been a point of contention between Tehran and Western governments.

While Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is peaceful and focused on energy production, several countries have repeatedly called for stricter inspections and greater transparency to ensure compliance with international agreements. The IAEA has urged renewed cooperation from Iranian authorities, stressing that full access to all relevant facilities is essential for maintaining global non-proliferation safeguards and assessing any potential risks associated with uranium enrichment activities.

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