The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says Iran continues to withhold information requested about its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, as the ongoing war and escalating military tensions in the region deepen international concerns over Tehran’s nuclear program.
In a report, the agency said Tehran had not provided the information required in Vienna regarding approximately 440 kilograms of enriched uranium that is close to weapons-grade levels, increasing international concerns over the status and whereabouts of Iran’s nuclear stockpile.
Uranium Stockpile Could Theoretically Support Several Nuclear Weapons
According to the report, Iran’s existing uranium stockpile could, in theory, be sufficient to produce several nuclear weapons if it were further enriched to higher levels.
The assessment comes as the IAEA continues to face difficulties accessing sites and facilities linked to Iran’s nuclear program.
The agency said its inspectors are currently unable to access more than 20 sites associated with Iran’s nuclear activities, while Tehran has repeatedly maintained that its nuclear program is not intended to develop nuclear weapons.
Iran Rejects Inspections of Sites Hit by Military Strikes
Earlier, Iranian Atomic Energy Organization chief Mohammad Eslami said inspections of nuclear facilities that have come under military attack would require legal approval from Iran’s parliament, as well as the establishment of specific security protocols.
Eslami said requests to inspect the facilities under the current circumstances were “not acceptable,” highlighting the restrictions facing international inspectors seeking access to Iran’s nuclear sites.
Washington Leaves Door Open to a Nuclear Agreement
Meanwhile, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Washington has not ruled out reaching an agreement with Iran on a civilian nuclear program.
However, he stressed that Tehran would need to abandon what he described as its “weapons program.”
The comments come amid growing international disputes over Iran’s nuclear activities, as governments and international agencies seek greater clarity over the size of Tehran’s nuclear stockpile and the status of its highly enriched uranium.
Access for IAEA inspectors to Iranian nuclear facilities remains one of the most contentious issues, particularly as military operations and tensions between Tehran and Washington continue.
