Iran's enriched Uranium stored in hard-to-access sites, IAEA says
Photo: IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi (Getty Images)
Most of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile is likely still located at the nuclear complex in Isfahan. This facility has been the target of US airstrikes on multiple occasions, according to The Jerusalem Post.
According to IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, the situation surrounding Iran’s nuclear program remains critical. The nuclear facility in Isfahan sustained serious damage during the 12-day war with Israel in June. The complex was also attacked as part of the US-led operations Roaring Lion and Epic Fury.
The IAEA is attempting to track the fate of hazardous materials using space-based imagery. Satellite images are currently the only source of information.
Grossi reports that intelligence detected activity immediately before the start of large-scale hostilities on June 9, 2025. Airbus satellites spotted a truck on the center’s grounds transporting 18 blue containers.
Experts believe the containers held highly enriched uranium. Intelligence agencies and the IAEA suspect that this cargo was not transported anywhere. The containers most likely remain buried under rubble or in the complex’s underground storage facilities.
IAEA operating in dark
The International Atomic Energy Agency has effectively lost physical access to the facilities. Tehran is completely ignoring its obligations, as under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, inspectors must be on site.
Rafael Grossi openly acknowledges the complexity of the situation. All data is currently only approximate estimates, and no one has exact figures.
"We haven’t been able to inspect or to reject that the material is there and that the seals, the IAEA seals, remain there. I hope that we’ll be able to do that, so what I tell you is our best estimate," Grossi says.
Latest on Iran's nuclear program
Rafael Grossi has already warned Trump that without the IAEA, it is impossible to establish full control over Tehran’s nuclear program. Any nuclear deal between the US and Iran will turn into an illusion if international inspectors are not involved in the process, the official stated.
Against the backdrop of overnight exchanges of fire between the US and Iranian navies, Donald Trump has already stated that Tehran will never be allowed to possess nuclear weapons.
The US leader said if they had a chance to use nuclear weapons, they would do so, without a doubt.
Iran’s nuclear program and over 400 kg of enriched uranium are the main topics of negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Trump says he will definitely remove all nuclear dust with excavators to the US.
