Overview
- IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi told reporters that physically moving Iran’s highly enriched uranium is “difficult but not impossible” because much of the material is stored in a gaseous, highly contaminated form that raises handling and transport risks.
- The agency currently estimates Iran holds about 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to roughly 60 percent, a level far above civilian needs and closer to weapons‑grade thresholds.
- Technical options under active discussion include downblending the material to lower enrichment levels or destroying it under international supervision, with the IAEA offering to provide verification and technical support for any agreed procedure.
- Political positions remain sharply split: President Trump is publicly demanding removal or destruction of the stockpile, while Iranian officials say enrichment is a legal NPT right and will not be surrendered.
- Grossi added that recent strikes and the broader war have stopped several activities inside Iran, altering the operational picture and complicating any plan to move, dilute, or monitor the stockpile because of new safety and access challenges.