Urgent need for access to Iranian sites, cautions UN nuclear watchdog
Al Jazeera · 2026-09-01
The UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has called for "utmost urgency" regarding access to Iran's nuclear sites, citing a "proliferation concern" due to a lack of information and verification access. A quarterly report seen on Tuesday highlighted specific concerns about access to the Isfahan plant, which has been targeted multiple times by the US and Israel. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi expressed the need for a "long-lasting, verifiable diplomatic agreement" to resolve these issues. However, Iran's Atomic Energy Organization head, Mohammad Eslami, stated on August 26 that the IAEA cannot inspect sites hit by military attacks until specific criteria are developed. Iran previously suspended cooperation after US and Israeli attacks in June 2025, though it later allowed inspectors to return in September 2025, but access to bombed sites has not been granted, and Iran's enriched uranium stores remain unaccounted for despite US claims of crippling its program. The IAEA has previously reported Iran's uranium enrichment levels are well above civilian needs, though not at weapons grade, and this latest report will be discussed at its board of governors meeting from September 21-25.