IAEA Loses Track of Enriched Uranium in Iran

A new report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reveals significant gaps in oversight of Iran's nuclear program. According to the report, the agency has not conducted on-site verification at any Iranian nuclear facility since February, leaving it without information on centrifuge activities or operations at the Isfahan enrichment facility.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated in his Tuesday report that Iran continues to refuse cooperation with inspectors, citing ongoing tensions with the United States. Consequently, Tehran has not provided the Vienna-based agency with any information regarding approximately 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity. Experts warn this quantity is sufficient for producing multiple nuclear weapons if the enrichment level is slightly increased.

Prior to U.S. and Israeli strikes in June 2025, the IAEA estimated this to be Iran's stockpile. The 60% enrichment level is close to the 90% needed for a weapon and far exceeds the 3.67% limit set by the 2015 nuclear deal. The fate of this uranium stockpile has been unclear since then, although Grossi noted in June that the "prevailing impression" was that the material remained at its previous location near Isfahan.

The Isfahan site is a key component of Iran's nuclear program, housing extensive facilities for uranium processing, conversion, nuclear fuel production, and centrifuge equipment manufacturing. Its importance grew in 2025 with Iran's announcement of a new underground enrichment facility in the area, parts of which were damaged in last year's strikes on nuclear installations.