Up to a dozen nuclear devices could theoretically be made from Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium that remains buried under bombed underground sites, UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi said, warning inspectors still lack access months after the attacks.
Grossi said Iran has blocked International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors from entering key enrichment facilities at Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan that were struck during last June’s 12-day war between Israel, the United States and Iran.
Tehran says 400 kg of uranium enriched to just above 60% purity – close to weapons grade – remains under the rubble. Western powers have voiced concern about the material’s fate.
“The material is there and this material is enough to manufacture a few, maybe a dozen devices,” Grossi said, adding the IAEA has a “firm impression” the uranium remains at the underground sites, though it cannot be fully certain without physical inspection.
He said Iran had cited the need for “specific measures or protocols” before allowing access, describing that as “fundamentally a political stance.”
“Compliance for us means giving us full access to inspect,” Grossi said, noting that under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Iran is permitted to enrich uranium but must allow verification to ensure material is not diverted.
Inspectors have also been unable to visit a newly declared underground facility in Isfahan that was due to be inspected on June 13 – the day Israel began its bombing campaign.
