IAEA Reports Inability to Inspect Iranian Nuclear Sites Amid Ongoing Conflict

A confidential International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report circulated to United Nations member states on 4 June 2026 states that the agency has been unable to inspect Iranian nuclear facilities damaged in the June 2025 U.S.–Israeli air campaign and the renewed hostilities that began on 28 February 2026. Since the February 2026 report, the only site inspected was the Bushehr nuclear power plant during a three-day visit (1–3 June 2026).

TRT World

The June 2025 twelve-day conflict targeted the Natanz, Isfahan, Fordow and other underground facilities, leaving many sites partially destroyed. Subsequent strikes in February 2026 further hampered IAEA access. The agency cites the “unprecedented situation” created by these attacks as the primary obstacle to fulfilling its safeguards obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

France 24

Iran operates 22 nuclear facilities; only Bushehr has been inspected since February 2026. The IAEA’s last verified data recorded approximately 440.9 kg of uranium enriched to 60 %—a short technical step from the 90 % weapons-grade threshold—and 8,599.6 kg of low-enriched uranium. Analysts estimate the 60 % stockpile could support the construction of up to ten nuclear weapons if weaponised.

The HinduThe HillIAEA sounds alarm over lack of access to Iran’s nuclear facilitiesFrance 24Politics IAEA: Iran blocks nuclear inspectors - access "indispensable"IAEA raises ‘proliferation’ fears over Iran sitesIran, the uranium mystery: IAEA failed to inspect facilities. Trump: "I don't need agreements."ReutersTRT WorldIran's uranium stockpile loses track for a whole year, IAEA raises warning before important meeting

IAEA Director General Rafael Gross Grossi described the lack of access as “indispensable and urgent” for Iran to implement its NPT Safeguards Agreement and warned that the agency’s inability to verify material “is a matter of proliferation concern.” The agency reiterated full support for ongoing diplomatic negotiations and called for immediate resumption of verification activities at all declared sites.

IAEA Chief Demands Access to Damaged Iranian Nuclear Sites in New Report

U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have repeatedly asserted that Iran seeks a nuclear weapon, with Trump stating the United States “does not need a deal… we could get it right away.” Tehran, represented by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei, denies any military ambition and affirms Iran’s right to civilian nuclear technology.

Iran, the uranium mystery: IAEA failed to inspect facilities. Trump: "I don't need agreements."

The IAEA reports that it cannot confirm the current size, composition, or location of the enriched uranium stockpile, nor whether enrichment activities have been suspended. While the agency’s February 2026 figures cite 440 kg at 60 % enrichment, subsequent satellite imagery and on-site data are unavailable, creating a “loss of continuity of knowledge” that the agency deems urgent to address.

IAEA sounds alarm over lack of access to Iran’s nuclear facilities

• “cannot provide any information on the current size, composition or whereabouts of the stockpile of enriched uranium in Iran or whether Iran has suspended all enrichment-related activities.” — Rafael Grossi, IAEA Director General

The Hill

• “The agency’s lack of access to verify the previously declared highly enriched uranium and low enriched uranium for nearly a year, which is long overdue according to standard safeguard practices, is a matter of proliferation concern,” — Rafael Grossi, IAEA Director General

IAEA sounds alarm over lack of access to Iran’s nuclear facilities

• “We could get it right away. I don't think they could stop us even if we wanted to, but there's no reason to. It's buried,” — Donald Trump, President of the United States

Iran, the uranium mystery: IAEA failed to inspect facilities. Trump: "I don't need agreements."

• “9 kilograms (972 pounds) of uranium enriched up to 60% purity — a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%.” — Rafael Grossi, IAEA Director General

The Hill

• “Tehran has repeatedly denied having any military ambitions, insisting on its right to the technology for civilian purposes.” — Esmaeil Baghaei, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson

France 24

The IAEA Board of Governors will convene in Vienna on 8 June 2026 to discuss the report and consider resolutions urging Iran to grant immediate access to all declared facilities. The agency’s forthcoming recommendations are expected to shape the next phase of diplomatic negotiations between Tehran, Washington and Jerusalem.

Iran's uranium stockpile loses track for a whole year, IAEA raises warning before important meeting