IAEA report: It is critical for the IAEA to conduct verification activities in Iran without further delay

IAEA report: It is critical for the IAEA to conduct verification activities in Iran without further delay

IAEA Report: Urgent Need for Verification Activities in Iran to Address Geopolitical and Nuclear Risks

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has emphasized the critical importance of resuming and accelerating verification activities in Iran to address unresolved concerns about its nuclear program, particularly following military strikes on key facilities in June 2025. Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has repeatedly underscored the necessity of unimpeded access to damaged sites, including Natanz, Esfahan, and Tehran, to assess potential radiological risks and verify compliance with safeguards agreements under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) according to IAEA statements.

Recent IAEA reports highlight significant challenges, including Iran's suspension of cooperation after the strikes and its formal termination of the September 2025 "Cairo Agreement," which outlined a process for resuming inspections at targeted sites as reported by the Arms Control Association. While Iran claims its enrichment facilities were destroyed, the IAEA remains concerned about the unverified stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% U-235—a material nearing weapons-grade levels—and the potential survival of centrifuges at undisclosed locations according to IAEA analysis. Without timely verification, risks of nuclear material diversion or escalation persist, complicating diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region.

The IAEA Board of Governors passed a resolution in December 2025, urging Iran to comply fully with safeguards obligations. However, political tensions, including Iran's refusal to grant access to damaged sites and the U.S. and Iran's stalled negotiations, have hindered progress. Analysts note that prolonged uncertainty could heighten geopolitical volatility, with cascading effects on global energy markets and investment confidence.

Grossi has called for urgent dialogue to prevent further escalation and ensure nuclear safety, stressing that delays in verification undermine both non-proliferation goals and economic stability according to IAEA Director General. For investors, unresolved nuclear issues in Iran pose long-term risks to regional security, energy infrastructure, and international trade routes. The IAEA's ability to restore transparency remains pivotal to mitigating these risks and fostering a framework for sustainable diplomatic solutions as stated in IAEA updates.

( http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/pressreleases/update-on-developments-in-iran): IAEA monitoring updates and statements, 2025
( https://www.armscontrol.org/act/2025-12/news/iaea-passes-resolution-iran): Arms Control Association, December 2025 report