IAEA urges urgent access to Iranian nuclear sites, citing proliferation concern

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has called for 'utmost urgency' in addressing the lack of access to Iran's nuclear sites. In a quarterly report, the UN nuclear watchdog labeled its lack of information about nuclear material and access to facilities as a matter of proliferation concern. The report raised specific concerns over the lack of access to the Isfahan plant, which has been targeted by US and Israeli strikes. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi expressed conviction that the issues must be resolved through a long-lasting, verifiable diplomatic agreement. Iran has said that access to sites struck by military action must be arranged via special arrangement, with the head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization stating that the IAEA cannot inspect these centers until it develops specific criteria and protocols. Tehran suspended cooperation with the IAEA following US and Israeli attacks in June 2025, and despite allowing inspectors to return in September 2025, access to bombed nuclear sites has not been granted. Iran's stores of enriched uranium remain unaccounted for, and the IAEA has reported enrichment levels well above civilian needs.