UN unable to locate Iran’s 440 kg of enriched uranium

Bangla Press Desk:  The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN’s nuclear watchdog, has expressed renewed concern regarding Iran’s nuclear program. The agency is unable to confirm whether the enriched uranium held by Tehran has been diverted for purposes other than peaceful use.

According to the British broadcaster BBC, a confidential IAEA report states that it is currently impossible to verify the location and use of nuclear materials, citing a lack of cooperation from Iran.

The report, which became public on Friday (November 13), notes that the agency lacks sufficient information to conclude that Iran’s declared nuclear materials have not been diverted from peaceful activities.

The IAEA has specifically raised concerns regarding a uranium enrichment facility in Isfahan. Although Iran informed the agency about this site last year, it has yet to grant permission for an inspection. The IAEA remains uncertain about the facility’s exact location, its current status, or whether any nuclear materials are present there.

In June 2025, Israel and the United States conducted a 12-day military operation targeting key Iranian nuclear facilities, which resulted in the destruction or severe damage of several uranium enrichment centers. Since then, Tehran has denied IAEA inspectors access to these sites. Iranian nuclear facilities were also targeted during the most recent conflict, which began on February 28.

Citing IAEA figures, *The Times of Israel* reported that prior to the June 2025 strikes, Iran possessed approximately 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity—noting that uranium typically requires enrichment to 90% for the production of nuclear weapons. Following the attacks, however, the agency has been unable to ascertain the current whereabouts of this substantial quantity of uranium.

In the report, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi emphasized the urgent need to resume verification activities in Iran without further delay. The agency has also urged Tehran to take incremental technical steps to facilitate the return of inspectors. Meanwhile, Iran has stated that discussions on initiating inspection activities are not possible as long as the threat of new military strikes from the United States persists. However, the country has pledged to fully comply with its nuclear security obligations once conditions become favorable.

Separately, Tehran has protested a U.S. announcement offering a reward of up to $20 million for information regarding Iran’s nuclear program. In response to Iran’s concerns, the IAEA has assured that it will ensure the protection of all confidential information in its possession.