Vienna: The International Atomic Energy Agency has said that uncertainty continues over the status of Iran’s nuclear programme as inspectors are unable to fully assess key facilities.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said the agency does not know the current condition of a new underground uranium enrichment site in Isfahan. The facility may be operational or it could be empty, but inspectors have not been able to verify this due to limited access.
The situation has become more complicated following recent military strikes and rising tensions in the region. Inspectors were forced to withdraw from some areas, making it difficult to monitor nuclear activities on the ground.
Despite reports of damage to nuclear infrastructure, the IAEA believes that Iran’s nuclear programme has not been completely destroyed. Experts say that nuclear materials and technical knowledge are likely spread across different locations, which means the programme could continue in some form.
There are also concerns about highly enriched uranium that may still be stored in underground sites. The agency has not been able to confirm whether any of this material has been moved or hidden.
The ongoing conflict has further reduced transparency, with inspections disrupted and risks increasing around sensitive nuclear facilities. This has made it harder for the international community to get a clear understanding of the situation.
While some intelligence assessments suggest that Iran is not actively rebuilding a nuclear weapons programme, others warn that the country still has the capability to restart quickly if it chooses.
The IAEA has called for renewed access to nuclear sites, saying that only full inspections can provide clarity. Until then, the agency says the true status of Iran’s nuclear programme will remain uncertain.