Photo: AFP
Vienna: A confidential report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), circulated to member states and reviewed by media outlets, has stated that the agency has been unable to inspect Iranian nuclear facilities affected during last June's conflict.
According to the report, the IAEA said it could not determine the current size, composition or location of Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium, nor verify whether the country had halted all uranium-enrichment activities.
The agency further indicated that it was currently unable to fully carry out its safeguards responsibilities under the Safeguards Agreement of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and stressed that it was both urgent and essential for Iran to fulfil its obligations under the agreement, Associated Press reported.
The report noted that since the IAEA's previous assessment in February, inspectors had only visited the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant between June 1 and 3. The facility operates using uranium supplied by Russia and enriched to about 4.5%, a level typically used for civilian power generation.
The findings come amid renewed tensions in the Middle East. The report referenced recent hostilities, including a drone attack attributed to Iran that reportedly damaged a passenger terminal at Kuwait’s main airport, causing casualties and temporary disruption of operations.
According to IAEA estimates, Iran continues to possess approximately 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity, a level that experts consider technically close to weapons-grade enrichment. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has previously stated that such a stockpile could theoretically provide enough material for multiple nuclear weapons if weaponisation were pursued, while emphasising that this does not mean Iran currently possesses nuclear bombs.
The report noted that highly enriched uranium stockpiles are ordinarily subject to monthly verification under IAEA procedures, but such monitoring has been disrupted.
Grossi also reiterated his support for ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme and expressed the agency’s readiness to assist in implementing any future agreement reached through negotiations.
Meanwhile, efforts to secure a more durable ceasefire in the region have reportedly continued amid growing strain caused by the widening conflict involving Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Iran continues to exert influence over the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and gas shipments, while US restrictions on Iranian ports remain in place. These developments have contributed to sustained pressure on global energy markets and elevated fuel prices worldwide.