The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported on Friday that it remains unable to verify the status of a uranium-enrichment plant near Isfahan, citing a lack of access to the facility since it was declared by Iran in June 2025.
The agency, in a confidential report circulated to member states, noted it does not know the exact location of the Isfahan Fuel Enrichment Plant (IFEP), its status for safeguards purposes, or if it contains nuclear material.
Diplomats believe the facility is located within a tunnel complex at the site, and satellite imagery has shown regular vehicle activity near the entrances, though the IAEA has been unable to verify if the plant has been damaged or reconstructed.
Iran Holds Uranium Enriched Near Weapons-Grade Levels
Before the June 2025 military strikes, the agency estimated Iran held 440.9 kilograms—approximately 972 pounds—of uranium enriched to 60 per cent purity. This level exceeds civilian power generation requirements and approaches the 90 per cent threshold generally considered weapons-grade. The agency emphasized that it cannot conclude no nuclear material has been diverted from peaceful activities because it lacks the necessary access to verify the current quantity, composition, or location of the stockpile.
In addition to the Isfahan site, Iran has restricted access to all other nuclear facilities bombed during the 2025 campaign. The only facility currently under regular monitoring is the Bushehr nuclear power plant, which was not targeted in the strikes and was inspected by the agency between September 12 and 15, 2026. At Bushehr, the reactor utilizes Russian-supplied uranium enriched to 4.5 per cent, a low level intended for power generation.
U.S. Threats Hinder IAEA Inspection Cooperation
While the IAEA has urged Iran to allow inspectors back into its facilities, Iranian officials have linked cooperation to the broader security climate. Tehran maintains that it cannot resume normal cooperation while under threat of further military action.
Iranian authorities have specifically cited public threats from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding further attacks on nuclear facilities as a fundamental barrier, arguing these threats have undermined the conditions necessary for the safe and full implementation of safeguards.
The diplomatic friction is further complicated by recent U.S. government offers of up to $20 million for information regarding Iran’s nuclear program and personnel. Tehran has formally expressed concern to the IAEA regarding this policy, emphasizing the need to maintain the confidentiality of the agency’s activities and prevent the exploitation of sensitive information.
In response, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has maintained that the safeguards agreement remains in force and that neither party can unilaterally suspend its implementation. Grossi has proposed that the agency and Tehran begin talks on practical measures that take into account current safety and security concerns, citing past negotiations like the Cairo Agreement as a potential framework.
Economic Pressure Fuels Debate over Nuclear Doctrine
The impasse comes as Iran faces economic and domestic pressure. Economic data from September 2026 indicates that year-on-year growth in the monetary base has reached 89.9%, while the money supply has grown by 63.3%, levels not observed since 2011. Amid these constraints, there is internal debate regarding the country’s nuclear doctrine.
Security chief Mohsen Rezaei has publicly raised the possibility of Iran leaving the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesman Hossein Mohebbi said that the military would make necessary preparations if a decision were made to change the nuclear doctrine. Conversely, other officials have indicated that Tehran remains open to downblending material under international supervision or accepting enrichment limits in exchange for sanctions relief and security guarantees.
The IAEA Board of Governors is scheduled to meet in Vienna from November 18 to 20, where Iran’s safeguards obligations are expected to be a primary topic of discussion. As the diplomatic standoff continues, experts note the high stakes; while the U.S. views the nuclear issue as central to potential achievements, Iranian leadership remains wary of accepting agreements that could be perceived as surrender.
Earlier coverage: Trump Says US Has No Need for Deal With Iran
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