IAEA unable to inspect Iran nuclear facilities after war damage
8 reported
The U.N. nuclear watchdog reported it has been unable to inspect nuclear facilities in Iran affected by the war last June, according to a confidential report seen by The Associated Press. The International Atomic Energy Agency stated it cannot provide information on the stockpile of enriched uranium in Iran or whether Iran has suspended enrichment-related activities. The IAEA warned it was unable to discharge its safeguards responsibilities under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and called it indispensable and urgent for Tehran to implement its obligations. The only nuclear facility inspected since February was the Bushehr nuclear power plant, visited June 1-3, which uses Russian uranium enriched to 4.5%. The report comes amid heightened Middle East tensions, including an Iranian drone attack on Kuwait’s airport and ongoing talks for a truce in the war now in its fourth month.
What’s reported
The IAEA has been unable to inspect nuclear facilities in Iran affected by the war last June.
The IAEA cannot provide information on the size, composition, or whereabouts of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile or whether enrichment has been suspended.
The IAEA warned it cannot discharge its safeguards responsibilities under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
The only facility inspected since February was the Bushehr nuclear power plant, visited June 1-3, which uses Russian uranium enriched to 4.5%.
Iran maintains a stockpile of 440.9 kilograms (972 pounds) of uranium enriched up to 60% purity.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi warned the stockpile could allow Iran to build as many as 10 nuclear bombs, but said it does not mean Iran has such a weapon.
Grossi reiterated support for negotiations aimed at a mutually acceptable solution to Iran’s nuclear program.
Talks have dragged on for weeks as mediators seek a truce in the war, now in its fourth month.
Key figures
Rafael Grossi, IAEA Director General
Sources: abcnews.com
