Iran Nuclear Stockpile: IAEA Concerns Over Isfahan Facility

The majority of Iran’s highly enriched uranium remains at the Isfahan nuclear complex, according to the head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi. This finding challenges claims by former U.S. President Donald Trump that strikes last year “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program.

Grossi, the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stated on Tuesday that approximately half of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium is still located at the Isfahan facility. This assessment comes despite U.S. Assertions of significant damage inflicted on the site during previous military actions.

Uranium Stockpile and IAEA Concerns

Iran is believed to possess around 972 pounds of highly enriched uranium across the country. The IAEA report, circulated to members on Friday, confirmed that Iran continues to enrich uranium up to 60 percent purity, a level close to weapons-grade. This raises concerns about the potential for Iran to develop nuclear weapons.

The IAEA has also expressed concern over its limited access to the Isfahan site, which was targeted in attacks last year. The agency is seeking to carry out inspections without further delay to verify the status of Iran’s nuclear program. Inspectors also do not know the precise location of a fourth uranium enrichment facility that Iran said it was setting up in Isfahan prior to the 12-day war, and are unaware of its operational status or whether it currently contains nuclear material.

Recent U.S. Strikes and Iranian Response

The U.S. Conducted strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in 2025, claiming to have “obliterated” the country’s nuclear program. However, the IAEA’s recent findings suggest that Iran has been able to maintain a significant portion of its enriched uranium stockpile, despite these attacks. There was no immediate comment from Iran regarding the IAEA report.

Satellite imagery observed by the IAEA shows “regular vehicular activity around the entrance to the tunnel complex at Isfahan” where uranium enriched up to 20% and 60% U-235 is stored. The IAEA stressed the importance of being able to carry out inspections in Iran without further delay.

Background on Iran’s Nuclear Program

The Isfahan nuclear facility is an underground tunnel complex where much of Iran’s highly enriched uranium is stored. The facility faced less intense attacks earlier in 2026. Iran’s nuclear program has been a source of international concern for years, with many countries fearing that it could be used to develop nuclear weapons. The country maintains its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.