Vienna: A confidential report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has revealed that Iran engaged in covert nuclear activities involving undeclared nuclear materials at three sites: Lavisan-Shian, Varamin, and Turquzabad. These activities are linked to a previously unknown, structured nuclear program that was active until the early 2000s. The findings, requested by the IAEA Board of Governors, could lead to Iran being declared in non-compliance with its non-proliferation obligations by the U.S., U.K., France, and Germany.

Iran has dismissed the report as politically motivated and has vowed to respond to any actions taken. The IAEA criticized Iran's cooperation as less than satisfactory and noted a continuing lack of explanation for uranium traces found at certain sites.

A separate report highlighted Iran’s increased stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade, enough for nine nuclear weapons, raising further international concerns. These developments could trigger Iran's referral to the UN Security Council and negatively impact ongoing nuclear negotiations with the U.S.

Diplomatic tensions are escalating, with Israel calling for urgent action and the U.S. presenting a new policy proposal via Omani intermediaries, awaiting Iran’s response.

The IAEA's findings have intensified scrutiny over Iran's nuclear ambitions, with Western powers preparing to urge the IAEA Board to formally declare Iran in breach of its nuclear non-proliferation obligations during the next meeting on June 9, 2025. This would be the first such declaration in nearly two decades.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi emphasized that any new nuclear agreement between the U.S. and Iran must include "very robust" inspections by the IAEA. He highlighted the importance of rigorous inspections to verify Iran’s commitment under any new deal.

Iran is considering a temporary pause in uranium enrichment in exchange for the U.S. unfreezing Iranian funds and recognizing its right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. However, Tehran rejects dismantling its nuclear infrastructure or permanently ending enrichment, conditions previously demanded by U.S. officials.

The IAEA has found that Iran's stock of near-bomb-grade uranium has risen to levels which could be refined further into the equivalent of six nuclear bombs. Iran's uranium stock refined to up to 60% grew by 92.5 kilograms in the past quarter to 274.8 kg. According to an IAEA yardstick, the amount is enough in principle for six nuclear bombs if enriched further.

The UN nuclear watchdog warned that any new agreement with Iran is impossible before Tehran resolves outstanding questions about uranium traces found at undeclared sites. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stressed that unresolved issues concerning uranium traces discovered at undeclared locations must be addressed.

The IAEA Board of Governors adopted a resolution on November 21, 2024, expressing profound concern that Iran has not provided necessary, full, and unambiguous cooperation with the Agency and has not taken essential and urgent actions as decided by the Board in its June 2024 resolution. The resolution underscores Iran’s obligation to implement modified Code 3.1 and provide all necessary design and preliminary design information to the Agency.

As the international community awaits Iran's response, the upcoming IAEA Board meeting on June 9 will be pivotal in determining the next steps in addressing Iran's nuclear activities and ensuring compliance with non-proliferation obligations.