Satellites detect activity at bombed Iranian nuclear sites
Photo: Iranian staff member at nuclear facility (Getty Images)
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said Iran is carrying out unclear activity at damaged nuclear facilities, according to Bloomberg.
Read also: Reuters names possible scenarios of Trump's operation against Iran
Activity at damaged sites
The IAEA said work has been detected at uranium enrichment facilities previously hit by US and Israeli strikes, with satellite imagery confirming activity on the ground.
In a report presented Friday, inspectors said they cannot determine the nature of the work because access to the sites has been blocked since the 12-day conflict.
The agency has also been unable for more than eight months to verify the volume and location of uranium stockpiles close to weapons-grade levels.
Negotiations and positions
Contacts between Washington and Tehran are expected to resume next week.
"The agency’s loss of continuity of knowledge over all previously declared nuclear material at affected facilities in Iran needs to be addressed with the utmost urgency," Grossi wrote in a 12-page restricted report seen by Bloomberg.
Diplomats will meet in Vienna, where technical consultations are planned on the sidelines.
Diplomatic context and risks
Last week, the IAEA chief held talks in Geneva with Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, on access to the facilities, while the United States and Iran had already completed a third round of consultations.
The dialogue comes amid statements by President Donald Trump about the possibility of a military scenario and an increased US presence in the Middle East.
Tehran continues to allow inspectors access to undamaged facilities, including reactors in Bushehr and Tehran.
The report notes regular vehicle activity near enriched uranium storage sites and additional work in Natanz and Fordo.
"Without access to these facilities, it is not possible for the agency to confirm the nature and purpose of the activities," Grossi wrote. "The agency cannot provide any information on the current size, composition, or whereabouts of the stockpile of enriched uranium."
The United States has indicated readiness for another round of talks in Geneva next Friday if Iran provides a detailed proposal within 48 hours.
Earlier reports also said Iran and Russia signed a confidential agreement worth about €500 million covering the supply of modern Verba portable air-defence systems.
