Iran's highly enriched uranium likely at Isfahan: UN nuclear chief
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- The majority of Iran’s highly enriched uranium is believed to remain at the Isfahan nuclear complex, which was targeted in U.S.-Israeli airstrikes last year, according to Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
- IAEA inspections at Isfahan ceased during the June 2025 conflict, but satellite images indicate that uranium containers likely remain stored there, with seals intact, though the agency has not been able to verify this on-site.
- Iran currently holds 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60%, close to weapons-grade levels, which could potentially enable the production of up to 10 nuclear bombs if weaponized.
- The IAEA seeks to inspect all Iranian nuclear sites, including Natanz and Fordo, emphasizing that Iran must comply with the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty by allowing full inspections.
- Discussions have occurred about removing or downblending Iran’s enriched uranium, but this would require political agreement or military action; negotiations between the U.S. and Iran remain stalled, with both sides showing interest but lacking consensus on priorities.
