Full Breakdown
IAEA Says Most Iranian HEU Remains at Isfahan After Airstrikes
4/29/2026, 9:04:08 PM
IAEA Assessment of Isfahan HEU Stockpile
The IAEA says the majority of Iran’s highly enriched uranium remains at Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center. Director-General Rafael Grossi cited satellite images of a truck delivering 18 blue containers into a tunnel on 9 June 2025, before the June war, and noted that inspections have not resumed since Israel’s 12-day conflict.
June 2025 Conflict and Airstrikes
In June 2025 Israel launched a 12-day war that included U.S. airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites. The campaign halted IAEA inspections at Isfahan, Natanz and Fordo, and subsequent, less intense strikes have limited on-site verification.
Uranium Quantities and Potential Weapon Yield
Iran holds 440.9 kg of uranium enriched to 60 % purity, a short step from weapons-grade 90 %. The IAEA estimates roughly 200 kg of this material are stored in tunnels at Isfahan, a quantity that could theoretically support up to ten nuclear weapons.
Official Statements & Responses
Grossi said IAEA access is needed to verify the material and that any settlement must include inspections of Isfahan, Natanz and Fordo. He noted talks with Russia, the United States and Iran on removing or blending the HEU. President Donald Trump reiterated that denying Iran a nuclear weapon was a reason for the June war, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon is a core priority for U.S. policy. Tehran maintains its nuclear program is peaceful and has expressed willingness to negotiate if the blockade is lifted.
Criticism & Opposition
Iran asserts its nuclear activities are peaceful, a stance that clashes with the IAEA’s inability to confirm the presence or condition of the HEU because inspectors have been denied entry.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The agency has not inspected the Isfahan containers and cannot verify whether the seals remain intact. Satellite images show the containers in place, but the IAEA stresses its assessment relies on “best estimates” rather than on-site verification, and status of material at Natanz and Fordo remains unverified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “we continue to get information.” — Rafael Grossi, Director General, IAEA
- “We haven’t been able to inspect or to reject that the material is there and that the seals — the IAEA seals — remain there,” — Rafael Grossi, IAEA
- “What’s going to be important is that that material leaves Iran” or is blended to reduce its enrichment. — Rafael Grossi, IAEA
- “remains the core issue” — Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State
What’s Next: Future Steps for HEU Removal and Negotiations
The IAEA is studying a joint operation with Russia and the United States to transport the HEU out of Iran or to blend it to lower enrichment. Such a step would require a formal political agreement, which Grossi says depends on “political will” from Tehran. Ongoing diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran aim to link nuclear inspections with broader regional issues, including Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz.
