IAEA expresses concern over Iranian underground uranium-enrichment plant

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed growing concerns over an underground uranium enrichment facility in Isfahan, Iran, which the agency acknowledges it has not been permitted to inspect. The IAEA's confidential report reveals that it is uncertain about the precise location, safeguard status, and potential presence of nuclear material at the facility known as the Isfahan Fuel Enrichment Plant (IFEP).

The report states that the agency lacks definitive information regarding any diversion of nuclear material from peaceful purposes.

IAEA monitors have been denied access to Iran's uranium enrichment sites since joint US-Israeli strikes in June last year, claims made by US President Donald Trump that Iran's nuclear program had been "obliterated" by these strikes. However, the extent of Iran's stockpile of near weapons-grade enriched uranium, estimated by the IAEA to be over 400kg before the attacks, remains unclear.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, in the report, noted that a year has passed since the agency lost continuity of knowledge regarding Iran's previously declared inventories of highly enriched uranium. The agency cannot confirm that such material has not been diverted from peaceful nuclear activities.

Iran's national security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, stated that the country would not permit any trace of enriched nuclear material to leave the nation. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also requested the IAEA and the UN to condemn a US offer of a $20 million reward for information on Iran's nuclear program. The US State Department clarified that the reward pertains to details about Iran's nuclear facilities, equipment, associated personnel, and their locations.

The US has emphasized that the nuclear issue must be addressed in any negotiations with Tehran, particularly in the context of the recent conflict instigated by Israel and the US against Iran in February. Trump reiterated the necessity of preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons as one of the motivations behind the renewed aggression.