Story perspectives

IAEA Says 200 kg Uranium Buried; Russia Offers Removal Help

5/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi says 200 kg of Iran’s 440.9 kg of 60 percent-enriched uranium remains buried at Isfahan, where inspections have not resumed since June 2025.
Satellite imagery 9 June 2025 showed a truck delivering 18 containers to an Isfahan tunnel, believed to hold the uranium.
Russia said it is willing to help remove the highly enriched uranium, a step IAEA says would need an agreement or U.S. military action.

History

Historical Context

The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed in July 2015, capped Iran’s uranium enrichment at 3.67 percent and limited stockpiles to 300 kg. Under the agreement, the International Atomic Energy Agency, led by Director General Rafael Grossi, verified compliance through monthly inspections, reporting a 95 % reduction in enriched uranium. Today, after inspections halted in June 2025, 200 kg of 60-percent-enriched uranium remains hidden in an Isfahan tunnel, prompting Russia’s offer to assist removal. The breach revives concerns that the 2015 framework’s safeguards have eroded, urging the United Nations Security Council and the United States to consider renewed diplomatic or coercive measures.

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Story summary

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi says 200 kg of Iran’s 440.9 kg of 60 percent-enriched uranium remains buried at Isfahan, where inspections have not resumed since June 2025.
Satellite imagery 9 June 2025 showed a truck delivering 18 containers to an Isfahan tunnel, believed to hold the uranium.
Russia said it is willing to help remove the highly enriched uranium, a step IAEA says would need an agreement or U.S. military action.

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