Tehran, Iran – The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in a confidential report distributed to member states and seen by Reuters, revealed that some of Iran’s highly enriched uranium, close to weapons-grade levels, was stored in an underground area within the nuclear facility in Isfahan. This is the first official indication of a storage site for material enriched up to 60 percent.
60 percent storage
The report stated that this is the first time the agency has reported stockpiling uranium enriched to 60 percent. This level is close to the 90 percent level used in weapons production. It also noted that the agency has not yet been able to access any of the four uranium enrichment facilities that were bombed by the US last year.
Uncertainty regarding locations and inventory
The agency confirmed that it does not know the precise location of the enrichment facility that Iran declared exists in Isfahan, or whether it contains nuclear material or is still operational. As of June 13, Iran’s stockpile of uranium enriched up to 60 percent was estimated at approximately 440.9 kilograms. In addition, its total stockpile of uranium enriched to various levels was estimated at approximately 9,874.9 kilograms.
Restrictions on inspection
The agency explained that Iran has not provided updated reports on the status of its nuclear facilities that were attacked, nor has it granted inspectors access to them. This hinders verification of current stockpiles and storage locations. The agency deemed this situation a cause for concern regarding nuclear proliferation and called for the immediate resumption of inspection activities.
Warnings and ongoing negotiations
The IAEA Director General, Rafael Grossi, had warned that “time is running out” in the talks between Iran and the United States, despite progress made in the latest round in Geneva. For his part, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the talks had made positive progress, with a new round expected to be held in Vienna to discuss technical details.
