UN nuclear chief: Much of Iran's highly enriched uranium likely still buried at Isfahan site

Key Points:

• The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) believes much of Iran’s highly enriched uranium remains at the Isfahan nuclear complex, which was targeted by US-Israeli airstrikes last year, but inspections have not been possible since June 2025.
• Satellite images show containers likely holding highly enriched uranium stored in tunnels at Isfahan, with Iran currently possessing 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60%, close to weapons-grade levels.
• The IAEA seeks to inspect other Iranian nuclear sites at Natanz and Fordo and has discussed the complex possibility of removing Iran’s enriched uranium from the country, which would require political agreement or military action.
• Negotiations between Iran and the US remain stalled despite mutual interest, with Iran demanding lifting of blockades and sanctions in exchange for concessions, while the US insists on definitive measures to prevent nuclear weapon development.
• IAEA Director Rafael Grossi emphasized that a deal depends on political will from Tehran and highlighted the exponential advancement Iran has made in its nuclear program since the 2015 agreement, complicating current negotiations.