The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has issued a confidential report urging Iran to grant immediate access to all its nuclear facilities highlighting concerns over activities at Isfahan. The report circulated to members of the agency’s 35 country board ahead of its quarterly meeting, comes amid ongoing nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran which recently concluded without a breakthrough.
According to the report Iran has not allowed inspectors access to certain enrichment sites since last year’s US Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities. The agency described renewed inspections as “indispensable and urgent emphasizing the need to verify Iran’s nuclear material and activities without further delay.
The IAEA estimates that before the attacks Iran possessed 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60 percent close to weapons-grade if further processed. Much of this material is believed to remain intact. For the first time, the report confirmed that uranium enriched to 20 percent and 60 percent had been stored in a tunnel complex in Isfahan where satellite imagery showed regular vehicle movement.
The agency also expressed concern that Iran has not granted access to a fourth declared enrichment facility in Isfahan announced shortly before the strikes. A successful US Iran agreement the report noted could positively impact safeguards implementation.
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