IAEA Chief Calls on Iran to Allow Verification of Nuclear Materials
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, urged Iran on Tuesday to provide the information and access required to verify its previously declared nuclear materials, including 440 kilograms of highly enriched uranium.
The issue was raised during a United Nations Security Council meeting, where the agenda was adopted with 11 votes in favour, two against from Russia and China, and two abstentions by Pakistan and Somalia.
Addressing the Council, Grossi said the agency remained in contact with Tehran and was seeking ways to resolve outstanding safeguards concerns. He noted that questions surrounding Iran’s declared nuclear materials had remained unresolved for more than five years.
Grossi recalled that the IAEA withdrew all its inspectors from Iran by the end of June 2025 due to safety concerns following the start of military attacks. Although inspectors have been ready to return for several months, Iran has yet to provide the requested information and access needed to verify nuclear materials at safeguarded facilities, including sites affected by military strikes and those left untouched.
The Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant remains an exception, with IAEA inspectors continuing verification activities there. Grossi also noted constructive engagement between the agency and Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization to arrange safeguards equipment for checking spent nuclear fuel before its planned transfer to a new dry storage facility early next year.
Highlighting the agency’s global monitoring efforts, Grossi said IAEA inspectors conducted more than 14,000 days of fieldwork last year, covering over 1,400 facilities and related locations. The agency was also able to reach safeguards conclusions for 179 states.
Grossi called on Iran to cooperate with the IAEA without further delay, stressing that providing the necessary access was a legal obligation.
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