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IAEA Says Most of Iran’s 60% Enriched Uranium Likely Stored in Isfahan Tunnels

IAEA efforts hinge on political approval despite Iran’s treaty duty to allow inspections.

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

  • IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said the agency’s best estimate is that most of Iran’s highly enriched uranium remains at the Isfahan complex.
  • Inspections at the site stopped after a 12-day war last year, leaving the agency unable to verify the stock or check its seals.
  • Airbus satellite images showed a truck hauling 18 blue containers into an Isfahan tunnel before the fighting, which the agency believes held the material.
  • Iran’s declared stockpile stands at 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60% purity, with about 200 kilograms believed to be in the Isfahan tunnels.
  • The agency is exploring removal abroad or dilution to lower purity, a complex option discussed with Russia that would require a political agreement.