- The UN nuclear watchdog says Iran could still reach its stockpile of near weapons-grade uranium at sites struck by the U.S.
- Satellite images suggest most of the material remains buried near Isfahan, with inspectors locked out for 10 months.
- Talks between Washington and Tehran remain stalled amid wider tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.
The International Atomic Energy Agency dropped a fresh warning on Thursday: Iran may still have access to its stockpile of near weapons-grade uranium, even at sites that were previously targeted by the U.S. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said the material is "accessible if there's a wish," adding that inspectors have not visited in 10 months. Satellite imagery suggests most of it remains buried near Isfahan, shielded from overhead view.
The disclosure underscores a decade-long monitoring standoff. Iran has fortified known storage sites, complicating inspectors' ability to verify quantities and enrichment levels. Without access, Grossi warned, any nuclear deal would require robust verification—but the pathway back to diplomacy remains blocked. Talks between Washington and Tehran are stalled, with tensions around the Strait of Hormuz adding to the friction.
"We need to go in and see for ourselves," a person familiar with the IAEA's position said. "The longer we wait, the less certain we can be about what's there."
Attempts to reach Iranian officials for comment were unsuccessful.
Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the duration of inspector absence; it is 10 months, not 12.