The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) believes that most of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile survived the U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on nuclear sites in June. Director-General Rafael Grossi confirmed the agency’s assessment during a weekend interview, stating that Iran’s facilities at Isfahan, Fordow, and Natanz—despite heavy damage—still hold a significant amount of near-weapons-grade material.
Grossi estimated Iran has retained roughly 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity. Though just short of weapons-grade, this level of enrichment far exceeds any civilian requirement. The IAEA has yet to gain access to verify the uranium’s location due to Iran’s refusal to cooperate following the strikes. Grossi noted multiple outcomes remain possible, including Iran reducing enrichment, relocating the stockpile abroad, or escalating toward weaponization.
Iranian officials have admitted the airstrikes inflicted major damage but insist most of their enriched uranium remains buried in the rubble. Recent satellite images confirm Iran is beginning to dig through wreckage at Isfahan. According to the Institute for Science and International Security, activity appears aimed at reinforcing tunnel entrances rather than removing uranium or centrifuges.
Andrea Stricker of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies echoed the IAEA’s concerns, stating that while Iran’s processing capability is currently crippled, the stockpile remains a serious threat. Any attempt to extract or relocate the material could provoke further military response from the U.S. or Israel.
Further escalating tensions, Iran has officially ended its cooperation with the IAEA. Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, announced the cancellation of inspection agreements after the European Union triggered “snapback” sanctions under the 2015 JCPOA deal. Only China and Russia have openly rejected the new sanctions.
