IAEA expresses concern over restricted access to Iranian nuclear sites

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has voiced serious concern regarding an underground uranium enrichment facility in Isfahan, Iran. In a recent quarterly report, the agency stated that despite Tehran disclosing the existence of the Isfahan Fuel Enrichment Plant (IFEP) in June 2025, inspectors have been consistently denied access. The IAEA currently lacks information about the exact location, operational status, or the presence of nuclear material at the site.

Tehran has rejected calls for immediate inspections, citing current security conditions as the justification for its refusal. Since the onset of U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities last year, Iran has permitted almost no access to international inspectors, with the sole exception of a visit to the Bushehr plant. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has proposed a phased, step-by-step approach to rebuild trust and technical cooperation with Iran, urging the country to facilitate inspections and provide detailed reports on the status of facilities that have remained unaffected by recent military actions.

The agency remains unable to verify whether the facility is operational or poses proliferation risks. Negotiations regarding future oversight are currently stalled as Iran maintains its stance on restricting international monitoring.