IAEA Urges Iran to Cooperate as Access to Nuclear Sites Remains Blocked

Other news outlets

Iran’s atomic energy.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has called on Iran to engage in “constructive” co-operation, warning that its ability to verify Tehran’s nuclear material is now a matter of “utmost urgency”, according to an unpublished report seen by AFP on Friday.

In the document circulated to member states, the Agency stresses the need for Iran to facilitate the “full and effective implementation” of safeguards measures. It highlights growing concern over the IAEA’s loss of continuous access to previously declared nuclear material at key facilities across the country.

Technical Talks in Vienna

The report notes that technical discussions are scheduled to take place in Vienna during the week commencing 2 March 2026. It also recalls that the IAEA Director General, Rafael Grossi, participated in Iranian-American talks held on 17 and 26 February, underscoring the Agency’s involvement in broader diplomatic efforts.

Despite these engagements, the IAEA said it has not yet been granted access to any of the four uranium enrichment facilities declared by Iran. As a result, the Agency confirmed it lacks updated information on the size and location of Tehran’s stockpile of enriched uranium, as well as clarity on whether enrichment activities have been fully halted.

Limited Transparency After Strikes

According to the report, Iran has not provided detailed updates on the status of nuclear facilities that were reportedly targeted during US and Israeli strikes in June, nor on the condition of nuclear materials associated with those sites. Inspectors have also not been allowed to visit the affected locations.

The Agency reiterated the importance of resuming verification activities in Iran without further delay, warning that prolonged restrictions risk undermining international monitoring mechanisms.

Uranium Stored Underground

In a confidential section of the report, the IAEA revealed that a portion of Iran’s highly enriched uranium — close to weapons-grade levels — had been stored in an underground area within the nuclear facility in Isfahan.

The Agency stated that this marks the first time it has identified a storage site containing uranium enriched to 60 per cent — a level significantly above civilian energy requirements and approaching the 90 per cent threshold typically associated with nuclear weapons capability.

Diplomatic sources indicated that the entrance to the Isfahan facility was bombed during the June strikes, though initial assessments suggested the damage to the site itself was limited.

The developments are likely to intensify scrutiny of Iran’s nuclear programme, as international negotiators seek to balance diplomatic engagement with demands for transparency and compliance.


PUKMEDIA