IAEA Director Rafael Grossi renewed calls for Iran to grant inspectors access to nuclear sites struck in June, including Fordo and Natanz, saying visits are part of Tehran's treaty commitments. A draft resolution from Britain, France, Germany and the US urges full cooperation and access. The IAEA is also pressing to verify enriched uranium inventories, notably a sensitive highly enriched uranium stockpile described as "long overdue." Tehran has warned it may reassess relations with the agency if a punitive resolution is adopted.
UN Nuclear Chief Urges Iran to Allow IAEA Inspections at Sites Struck in June
IAEA Director Rafael Grossi renewed calls for Iran to grant inspectors access to nuclear sites struck in June, including Fordo and Natanz, saying visits are part of Tehran's treaty commitments. A draft resolution from Britain, France, Germany and the US urges full cooperation and access. The IAEA is also pressing to verify enriched uranium inventories, notably a sensitive highly enriched uranium stockpile described as "long overdue." Tehran has warned it may reassess relations with the agency if a punitive resolution is adopted.
07:36 PM, 11/19/2025Security
The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog renewed his appeal for Iran to permit inspections at key nuclear facilities hit during the June conflict, saying agency access to those sites is part of Tehran's international commitments.
IAEA seeks access to Fordo and Natanz
Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), told reporters after opening the agency's board meeting in Vienna that inspectors have been able to visit several facilities but remain barred from sites that were attacked in June, including Fordo and Natanz.
"We have performed a number of inspections, but we have not been able to go to the attack sites. I hope we will be able. Indeed, we have to go because this is part of Iran's commitments," Grossi said. "I hope we'll be able to move in a constructive manner."
Draft resolution urges cooperation
A draft resolution submitted to the IAEA board by Britain, France, Germany and the United States urges Iran to "cooperate fully" with the agency and to grant the access the IAEA requests. The text, expected to be voted on during this week's board meeting, underscores the imperative for Tehran to meet its obligations under the Nuclear Non‑Proliferation Treaty.
Iranian officials warned against adoption of what they described as an anti‑Iran resolution. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said such a move would force Tehran to "conduct a fundamental review" of its relationship with the agency. Grossi argued that it would be counterproductive if a resolution led to reduced cooperation.
Verification of enriched uranium stockpiles
The IAEA has called on Iran to allow verification of its enriched uranium inventories, with particular focus on a sensitive stockpile of highly enriched uranium that a confidential report described as "long overdue" for verification. Grossi said there is consensus, including confirmation from Iranian authorities, that the stockpile remains and requires inspection.
Following the June strikes, Tehran suspended some cooperation with the IAEA and restricted inspectors' access to the bombed sites, accusing the agency of bias and failing to condemn the attacks. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said no enrichment is currently taking place at the damaged sites and that Iran has no undeclared enrichment locations. U.S. media reports have suggested accelerated construction at a secret underground site near Natanz referred to as "Pickaxe Mountain" (Kuh-e Kolang); Iranian authorities have disputed such claims.
The IAEA says transparent access and verification are vital to maintaining international confidence in Iran's nuclear program and to upholding obligations under the NPT. Board members are set to debate the draft resolution and the scope of inspections in the coming days.