IAEA Calls on Iran to Disclose Uranium Inventory and Grant Site Access

Post by : Raina Nasser

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN’s nuclear oversight body, has issued a resolution demanding that Iran promptly disclose details regarding its enriched uranium stockpile and damaged nuclear installations. This resolution was adopted by the IAEA’s 35-member Board of Governors on Thursday, pressing Tehran for swift access and comprehensive information.

This resolution revises and extends the IAEA’s authority to monitor Iran’s nuclear activities, emphasizing the necessity for Iran to clarify inquiries about its uranium inventory and the sites impacted by prior military actions. This development follows incidents where Israeli and U.S. military forces targeted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure five months ago.

Though Iran contends that its nuclear pursuits serve peaceful intentions, it cautioned that it might scale back its cooperation with the IAEA if this resolution was enacted.

The resolution was passed with 19 votes in favor, three against, and 12 abstentions, with Russia, China, and Niger opposing it.

As of now, the IAEA is unable to inspect the sites hit in June or verify the current uranium stockpile, pending an official report from Tehran. These sites included three uranium enrichment plants which were functioning during the strikes.

Before those military actions, it was reported that Iran possessed 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity, nearing weapons-grade levels. The IAEA has noted that this amount could potentially be further refined for the creation of up to 10 nuclear warheads. Western nations have voiced their unease over the lack of justifiable civil reasons for maintaining such high levels of enrichment.

The IAEA has declared an urgent need for action, stating that monitoring Iran’s nuclear materials and facilities is “long overdue” and essential for global nuclear safety.