IAEA Raises Alarm Over Iran's Nuclear Program Verification
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations' nuclear watchdog, issued a confidential report on February 27, 2026, stating its inability to verify whether the Islamic Republic of Iran has suspended all uranium enrichment activities. This critical assessment comes after Iran denied inspectors access to several key nuclear facilities that were reportedly damaged during military strikes in June 2025.
According to the report, this lack of access has resulted in a 'loss of continuity of knowledge' regarding previously declared nuclear material at the affected sites. The IAEA emphasized that this situation needs to be addressed with 'utmost urgency' to ensure the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program.
Restricted Access and Unclear Activities
The facilities to which the IAEA has been denied access include the enrichment sites at Natanz and Fordow, as well as an underground complex in Isfahan. Satellite imagery has indicated 'regular vehicular activity' around these bombed locations. However, without on-site inspections, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated that the agency cannot determine the nature or purpose of these activities.
Iran, in a letter dated February 2, informed the IAEA that normal safeguards were 'legally untenable and materially impracticable' due to what it described as 'threats and acts of aggression.' Tehran consistently maintains that its nuclear program is exclusively for peaceful purposes.
Significant Uranium Stockpile and International Concerns
The IAEA's report highlighted that Iran currently possesses 440.9 kilograms (972 pounds) of uranium enriched up to 60% purity. This level of enrichment is a short technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%. Director General Grossi has previously warned that while this quantity does not signify Iran possesses a nuclear weapon, it could theoretically be sufficient for multiple bombs if further enriched. Some of this highly enriched uranium is reportedly stored in an underground area at Isfahan.
The current situation underscores ongoing international concerns regarding Iran's nuclear ambitions, particularly following the United States' withdrawal in 2018 from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which had previously limited Iran's enrichment to 3.67%. Iran began breaching the limits of the deal in 2019.
Ongoing Diplomatic Efforts
The IAEA's report emerges amidst ongoing indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States, mediated by Oman, aimed at addressing Tehran's nuclear activities. Director General Grossi has participated in these discussions, providing advice on verification issues. The United States has reportedly demanded that Iran dismantle its nuclear facilities and halt enrichment, proposals that Iran has rejected. The diplomatic efforts continue against a backdrop of heightened tensions and threats of potential military action.
5 Comments
Coccinella
Denied access and 60% enrichment? This is a direct threat to global security.
Comandante
The report highlights critical verification issues, emphasizing the need for transparency. Still, demanding Iran dismantle facilities without offering a clear path to normalized relations or lifting sanctions seems like an unrealistic starting point for negotiations.
Bella Ciao
While the current situation is undoubtedly tense, with Iran's activities raising red flags, the ongoing indirect diplomatic efforts through Oman show that a non-military resolution is still being pursued, albeit with significant challenges.
Bermudez
The US broke the deal first. Iran is just reacting to constant threats and aggression.
Africa
The article ignores the hypocrisy. Other nations have nukes, why is Iran singled out?