IAEA Finds No Signs of Iran Rebuilding Damaged Nuclear Sites

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has not detected any signs that Iran is rebuilding nuclear facilities damaged by U.S. and Israeli strikes, according to IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting, Grossi stated that since June 2025, the agency has not observed any repair or reconstruction work at sites affected by military attacks in 2025 and 2026. Grossi emphasized the ongoing need for international inspectors to have access to all of Iran's nuclear facilities, including those that have been targeted. The IAEA remains unable to verify the status of Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles, particularly concerning levels that raise proliferation concerns.

Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump had asserted that a primary goal of military action against Iran was to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons, claiming that U.S. strikes in June 2025 had effectively ended Iran's nuclear program. The ongoing conflict with Iran has intensified economic pressure on the U.S., partly due to rising fuel prices, presenting an additional political challenge for the Trump administration ahead of midterm congressional elections. The White House has not commented on Grossi's statement.

Separately, it was reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had intended to order the IDF to strike Iran before elections but was prevented from doing so.