IAEA Confirms Most of Iran's 60% Enriched Uranium Survived June War Strikes

UN Watchdog Assesses Iran's Uranium Stockpile Post-Conflict

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) believes that the majority of Iran's 60% enriched uranium stockpile survived the June 2025 conflict with Israel and the United States, and remains housed within damaged nuclear facilities. This assessment was conveyed by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi in an interview published on October 18, 2025.

Grossi indicated that 'the majority' of Iran's 60% enriched uranium 'remains in the nuclear facilities in Isfahan and Fordo, and some in Natanz.' He estimated Iran's current possession of 60% enriched uranium to be approximately 400 kilograms. A confidential IAEA report from September 2025 had previously stated that as of June 13, 2025, Iran held 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60%. This level of enrichment significantly exceeds the 3.67% permitted under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and has no known civilian applications.

Damage to Nuclear Facilities and Conflicting Reports

The June 2025 conflict, also known as the Twelve-Day War, saw Israel launch surprise attacks on Iranian military and nuclear facilities starting June 13. Subsequently, on June 22, 2025, the United States conducted 'Operation Midnight Hammer,' targeting three key Iranian nuclear sites: the Fordow Uranium Enrichment Plant, the Natanz Nuclear Facility, and the Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center.

Assessments of the damage varied. US officials initially claimed 'extremely severe damage and destruction' to Natanz, with 'major damage' to Fordow and Isfahan. However, a leaked Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) report suggested the sites were damaged but not destroyed, delaying Iran's nuclear program by a few months. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged 'significant and serious damages.' IAEA Director General Grossi confirmed that the sites 'suffered severe damage' but not 'total damage,' and stated on September 26, 2025, that 'almost all sensitive equipment' at Fordow had been destroyed. Despite the extensive damage, the IAEA's latest findings suggest the enriched uranium itself largely endured the strikes.

Challenges to International Verification

Following the June conflict, Iran ceased full cooperation with the IAEA, accusing the agency of failing to condemn the Israeli strikes. A new framework for cooperation has been established, which requires approval from Iran's security body for UN nuclear inspectors to access facilities. This has significantly hampered the IAEA's ability to conduct comprehensive verification activities.

The IAEA has not been able to precisely verify Iran's total enriched uranium stockpile since February 2021, relying partly on Iran's estimates. The agency has consistently expressed 'serious concern' over Iran's production and accumulation of highly enriched uranium, emphasizing that it cannot conclude Iran's nuclear program is exclusively peaceful. Grossi has urged Iran to resume negotiations for a new nuclear deal, stating that 'sitting down together at the table saves us the danger of another round of bombing and attacks.'

Broader Implications

The expiration of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 on October 18, 2025, further complicates the international oversight of Iran's nuclear activities, potentially altering Iran's legal obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). While Iran's Supreme Leader, Seyyed Ali Hosseini Khamenei, stated in September 2025 that Iran had limited enrichment to 60% and would not pursue 90%, experts note that 60% enriched uranium is considered 'bomb-material,' and the technical step to reach 90% from 60% is relatively quick.