The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed deep concern over its inability to verify Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium following the 12-day war with Israel earlier this year. According to a newly circulated report, inspectors have been unable to access seven major nuclear facilities, including the Fordo and Natanz sites, where Iran’s nuclear infrastructure was targeted by Israeli and U.S. strikes in June.

The report, shared confidentially with IAEA member states, emphasizes the urgent need for “long overdue” inspections to confirm inventories of previously declared nuclear material and assess the potential diversion of nuclear material from peaceful purposes.

---

Impact of the 12-Day War on Iran’s Nuclear Program

During the June conflict, Israel conducted airstrikes on several Iranian nuclear installations, including the Isfahan Nuclear Technology Centre, home to a uranium conversion facility. The United States also targeted Isfahan with missiles. These attacks disrupted operations at key sites but left much of Iran’s near-bomb-grade uranium—enriched up to 60 percent purity, a short step from weapons-grade levels of 90 percent—intact, much of it likely stored in deeply buried facilities.

The IAEA has described Iran’s near-weapons-grade uranium stockpile as “a matter of serious concern,” noting that in theory it could be sufficient to produce approximately 10 nuclear bombs. While some material may have been destroyed in the strikes, re-establishing a complete inventory will require extensive verification efforts.

---

Iran-IAEA Relations and Compliance Challenges

Iran suspended cooperation with the IAEA immediately after the June conflict. Although a Cairo agreement in early September had allowed inspections to resume, the reimposition of UN sanctions later that month prompted Tehran to halt implementation. European powers and the UN reinstated sanctions after Iran failed to engage directly with the United States and clarify the status of its highly enriched uranium.

Despite international scrutiny, Iran maintains that its nuclear program is entirely peaceful. The IAEA has stated that it has no credible indication of a coordinated weapons program, although it continues to demand clarity regarding the fate of enriched uranium since the conflict.

---

Ongoing IAEA Inspection Efforts

IAEA inspectors plan to visit the Isfahan site to assess the condition of its nuclear stockpiles. The agency has so far inspected only some of the 13 facilities unaffected by the June attacks, meaning the task of reconstructing a complete picture of Iran’s nuclear material is expected to be difficult and time-consuming.

The IAEA’s push for inspections highlights the critical international concern over Iran’s nuclear capabilities, especially after a military confrontation that drew the attention of major global powers.

---

Global Security Implications

The United States and Israel justified their attacks on Iran by citing the country’s proximity to being able to produce a nuclear weapon. While Iran denies weapons ambitions, the accumulation of near-bomb-grade uranium continues to raise alarms among diplomats and nuclear non-proliferation experts worldwide.

IAEA Director General statements underscore the importance of transparent nuclear inspections to ensure that Iran’s nuclear program remains peaceful and that any potential military dimensions are promptly addressed.