IAEA Calls for Urgent Access to Iran's Nuclear Sites Amid Ongoing Tensions

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has issued a report urging Iran to permit inspections of its nuclear facilities, particularly in Isfahan, where uranium is enriched to near weapons-grade levels. This call comes amid stalled negotiations between the US and Iran, with the report emphasizing the urgency of access for verification activities. The findings may bolster claims of Iran's lack of transparency regarding its nuclear program, especially following military strikes on its facilities. The report also reveals new details about Iran's uranium stockpile and the status of its enrichment sites, raising concerns about the potential for nuclear weapon development.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 27, 2026, 23:24 IST

IAEA Report Highlights Need for Inspections

On Friday, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) released a confidential report urging Iran to allow inspectors access to all its nuclear facilities. The report emphasizes Isfahan as a critical location due to a newly established enrichment plant and the presence of uranium enriched to levels close to weapons-grade. This document was shared with member states ahead of the IAEA's upcoming quarterly meeting, as discussions between the United States and Iran remain stalled. The latest negotiations, which took place on Thursday, concluded without any significant progress.

Similar to previous assessments by the IAEA, these findings may strengthen the United States' assertion that Iran has not been fully forthcoming regarding its nuclear activities. This comes as US President Donald Trump has increased military presence in the region and issued warnings about possible military responses. Last June, the US and Israel conducted strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, and since then, Iran has refrained from updating the status of its highly enriched uranium stockpile or permitting IAEA inspectors to access enrichment sites.

The report, which was reviewed by Reuters, stated, "While the Agency acknowledged that military actions against Iran's nuclear facilities have created an unprecedented situation, it is essential for verification activities to proceed without further delay." It stressed that allowing inspections is both "indispensable and urgent," and a successful resolution in US-Iran negotiations could positively influence the enforcement of safeguards and address the outlined concerns.

According to IAEA estimates, Iran had approximately 440.9 kg of uranium enriched to up to 60% purity before the US and Israeli strikes last year, which is sufficient for the potential creation of around ten nuclear weapons if further enriched. The IAEA and Western nations believe that most of this stockpile remains intact, while the US is urging Tehran to relinquish it.

The report also provided new insights into activities at Isfahan, where much of Iran's highly enriched uranium is reportedly stored within a tunnel complex that likely survived the strikes last June. For the first time, it confirmed that uranium enriched to both 20% and 60% purity is being held at this site. Satellite images have indicated "regular vehicular activity around the entrance to the tunnel complex at Isfahan," where uranium enriched to these levels is stored.

It is believed that the US-Israeli attacks have either destroyed or severely damaged the three known uranium enrichment sites operational at that time. Prior to the Israeli assault, Iran announced plans to establish a fourth enrichment facility in Isfahan, but the IAEA still lacks information regarding its exact location or operational status. The report expressed concern that Iran has yet to grant the Agency access to this fourth declared enrichment facility since its announcement in June of last year.