Iran’s Uranium Stockpile Likely Remains Intact : UN

The United Nations believes that Iran’s uranium stockpile may not have been damaged in recent Israeli and U.S. airstrikes. On Wednesday (25 June), Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said Tehran may have moved the uranium before the attacks began, according to a report by Reuters.Earlier this week, Grossi stated that he had received indications from Iran on June 13—the very first day of the conflict—that special measures were being taken to safeguard nuclear materials and equipment.Referring to that statement during a press briefing on Wednesday, Grossi told reporters, “Iran has not provided us with clear information about their actions. However, based on their indirect remarks, we can only assume that their uranium stockpile has likely remained intact. But to confirm and verify this, we must visit the site.”During the so-called 12-day war, Israel launched multiple strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, and the United States carried out sudden bombings over the weekend. However, the extent of the damage remains unclear.Grossi emphasized that sending an inspection team to Iran is now a top priority. However, Iran’s parliament on Wednesday approved a proposal to suspend IAEA inspections, posing a challenge to verification efforts.According to the IAEA, Iran has so far enriched uranium up to 60% purity—very close to the 90% threshold required for nuclear weapons.Western nations argue that this level of enrichment is unjustifiable for civilian purposes. Iran, however, has consistently denied any intention to develop nuclear weapons, claiming its nuclear activities are solely for peaceful, civilian use.