SAEDNEWS: IAEA Director Rafael Grossi confirmed that inspectors have accessed only Bushehr, while enriched uranium and potentially undisclosed facilities in Natanz and Isfahan remain unreachable, raising new international concerns.
According to Saed News; The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, stated that inspectors have so far gained access only to the Bushehr nuclear facility. Critical sites in Natanz and Isfahan remain inaccessible, leaving questions about 400 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60 percent unresolved.
Grossi highlighted the existence of a large underground laboratory in the mountains near Isfahan, which may conceal additional uranium enrichment operations. “We still do not have access to the damaged facilities or the enriched uranium stocks,” he said, emphasizing that the true scale of Iran’s nuclear program remains partly hidden.
These revelations have sent ripples through the international community. Analysts suggest that undisclosed enrichment sites could escalate tensions in the Middle East, particularly given the sensitivity around Iran’s nuclear capabilities. The limited access also complicates the enforcement of international safeguards and verification under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Enriched uranium with a purity of up to 60 percent represents a significant technical milestone, approaching weapons-grade material. Inspecting these sites poses considerable challenges due to their underground location and the potential for advanced security measures. “The mountains conceal complex facilities, making verification extremely difficult,” Grossi remarked.
Iran’s nuclear program has been under scrutiny for decades, with repeated negotiations over its enrichment capacity. While Bushehr operates as a civilian power reactor under strict oversight, the potential existence of additional enrichment facilities raises questions about the country’s compliance with international norms.
Grossi emphasized the need for continued diplomatic engagement. The IAEA plans to request access to Natanz and Isfahan and pursue transparency measures to ensure that all enriched uranium is accounted for. Experts note that the discovery of previously unknown sites could alter geopolitical calculations and affect ongoing negotiations with Iran.
The IAEA’s statement underscores the ongoing challenges in monitoring Iran’s nuclear program. While access to Bushehr offers a degree of transparency, significant uncertainties remain. With potentially undisclosed enrichment facilities and substantial uranium stocks, the international community faces a complex puzzle that will shape the future of nuclear diplomacy in the region.
