The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has raised serious concerns over what it describes as the “utmost urgency” of verifying all nuclear material in Iran, according to a confidential report reviewed by AFP. The call comes at a critical moment, with global tensions intensifying and diplomatic efforts racing against time.
Two new reports are set to be presented at the IAEA Board of Governors’ meeting next week. The development follows heightened pressure from the United States, which has warned of possible strikes on Iran while simultaneously deploying one of its largest military build-ups in the Middle East in decades.
Diplomacy in the Balance
In a bid to avoid further escalation, Oman-mediated negotiations between Iran and the United States were recently held in Geneva. Initially seen as a last-ditch effort to prevent war, the talks reflected cautious optimism. However, tensions quickly resurfaced when Tehran insisted Washington must withdraw what it called “excessive demands” if a meaningful agreement is to be achieved.
The IAEA confirmed that technical discussions regarding Iran’s nuclear programme will take place in Vienna next week. The agency noted that a successful diplomatic outcome would significantly improve the implementation of nuclear safeguards in Iran, reinforcing transparency and trust.
At the heart of the matter lies verification. The IAEA has urged Iran to cooperate “constructively,” emphasizing the urgency of gaining immediate access to all nuclear material and facilities.
Growing Uncertainty Over Uranium Stockpile
Concerns continue to mount over Iran’s stockpile of more than 400 kilograms (880 pounds) of uranium enriched up to 60 percent purity. This enrichment level is significantly higher than the 3.67 percent cap set under the now-defunct 2015 nuclear agreement and approaches the 90 percent threshold required for weapons-grade material.
Last June, Israel launched strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, sparking a 12-day conflict that briefly involved direct military action by the United States. Following the attacks, Iran suspended parts of its cooperation with the IAEA and limited inspectors’ access to certain facilities, accusing the agency of bias and failing to condemn the strikes.
One of the most pressing concerns highlighted in the report is Iran’s fourth declared enrichment facility. According to the IAEA, inspectors have not been granted access to the site since its declaration in June last year — a development the agency describes as a matter of “increasing concern.”
The agency also reported uncertainty surrounding the precise location and activity status of the Isfahan Fuel Enrichment Plant. Satellite imagery has shown consistent vehicular movement near the tunnel complex at Isfahan, where uranium enriched up to 20 percent and 60 percent is believed to have been stored.
Additional activity has been observed at enrichment facilities in Natanz and Fordow. However, without on-the-ground access, the IAEA states it cannot confirm the nature or purpose of these operations.
Global Stakes and Regional Rivalries
Western nations, led by the United States and Israel — widely regarded by experts as the only nuclear-armed state in the Middle East — have long accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons capability. Tehran strongly denies these allegations, asserting its nuclear programme is strictly for peaceful civilian purposes, including energy production and medical research.
Despite these assurances, the continued enrichment of uranium to 60 percent has deepened international anxiety. The collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal removed critical oversight mechanisms, leaving the global community dependent on IAEA access to ensure compliance and transparency.
A Human Moment Behind the Headlines
Beyond geopolitical strategy and technical reports, this crisis represents something far more personal: the safety of millions of ordinary people across the Middle East and beyond. Families in Tehran, Tel Aviv, Washington, and across Europe watch anxiously as diplomats negotiate and military rhetoric intensifies.
For citizens, this is not just about centrifuges or uranium purity levels — it is about stability, security, and the hope that dialogue can triumph over destruction. The urgency expressed by the IAEA reflects more than procedural necessity; it reflects a global desire to prevent another devastating conflict in an already fragile region.
As the world waits for the upcoming talks and the Board of Governors’ meeting, one reality remains clear: transparency and cooperation may be the only path away from confrontation.
