Particle.news
Download on the App Store

IAEA Chief Says Most of Iran’s Highly Enriched Uranium Likely Still at Isfahan

Inspections have not resumed since 2025 strikes, leaving a large stockpile unverified.

Rafael Grossi, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General and a candidate for United Nations Secretary-General, speaks during an interview at U.N. headquarters, Tuesday, April 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Rafael Grossi, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General and a candidate for United Nations Secretary-General, speaks during an interview at U.N. headquarters, Tuesday, April 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Rafael Grossi, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General and a candidate for United Nations Secretary-General, speaks during an interview at U.N. headquarters, Tuesday, April 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
FILE - Rafael Grossi speaks during an event at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, April 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

Overview

  • Rafael Grossi said the agency’s best estimate is that a large share of Iran’s highly enriched uranium remains at the Isfahan nuclear complex, with no on‑site checks since inspections stopped in mid‑2025.
  • Airbus satellite images from June 9, 2025, captured a truck carrying 18 blue containers into an Isfahan tunnel, and the IAEA believes those containers likely still hold the material.
  • The agency reports Iran has 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60% purity, and it estimates about 200 kilograms are stored in tunnels at Isfahan, which is a short technical step from weapons‑grade.
  • Grossi said inspectors also need access to Natanz and Fordo, and he called current findings an informed estimate because the IAEA cannot verify seals or measure material on the ground.
  • The IAEA has discussed removing the stockpile from Iran or blending it down with Russia and others, but Grossi said either move would require a political deal or a risky military operation, even as broader U.S.–Iran talks and ceasefire diplomacy remain unresolved.