IAEA Chief: Iran's Highly Enriched Uranium Likely at Isfahan Complex
The head of the U.N. nuclear agency indicates that most of Iran's highly enriched uranium is probably still stored at the Isfahan nuclear facility.
The majority of Iran's highly enriched uranium is likely still stored at the Isfahan nuclear complex, according to Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In an interview on Tuesday, Grossi stated that satellite imagery shows a truck carrying 18 containers, believed to contain highly enriched uranium, entering a tunnel at the Isfahan facility on June 9, 2025, just before the onset of the 12-day war. He noted that the IAEA has not been able to inspect the site since the conflict began.
Grossi emphasized the need to resume inspections at Isfahan, as well as at other nuclear sites in Natanz and Fordo, to verify the status of Iran's nuclear materials. He mentioned that discussions have taken place with Russia and other parties about the possibility of removing Iran's highly enriched uranium from the country or diluting it to lower enrichment levels, though such operations would require significant political agreements or military efforts.
The IAEA estimates that Iran possesses approximately 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60% purity, with about 200 kilograms believed to be stored at the Isfahan site. This level of enrichment is close to the 90% threshold required for weapons-grade material. Grossi highlighted the importance of political will from both Iran and the United States to reach a comprehensive agreement addressing these concerns.
