The International Atomic Energy Agency grapples with the aftermath of US military strikes, struggling to locate a staggering 900 pounds of Iran’s potentially enriched uranium, raising alarms across the globe.

At a Glance

• IAEA aims to deploy inspectors to assess damage and verify uranium stockpiles in Iran.
• US and Israeli military strikes may have disrupted the IAEA’s monitoring capabilities.
• Iran’s possible withdrawal from the Non-Proliferation Treaty could have severe global consequences.
• Rafael Mariano Grossi, IAEA’s director, emphasized the need for concrete evidence to guide their operations.
• Claims of significant damage at key nuclear sites such as Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan.

IAEA’s Unwavering Monitoring Efforts

The IAEA is striving to have inspectors back at Iran’s nuclear sites to assess the damage and verify uranium stockpiles, adjusting to the realities of a post-strike environment. Despite recent military actions from the US and Israel targeting Iranian sites, Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi highlighted the “number one priority” of these inspections.

Bombings have raised questions about the dispersal of Iran’s nuclear materials. A ceasefire between Iran and Israel, announced by US President Donald Trump, remains shaky at best. Iran has ramped up speculation by claiming to have taken “special measures” to protect its nuclear assets, adding another layer of mystery to an already complex situation.

Unaccounted Uranium Raises Concerns

The unfolding mystery centers around approximately 900 pounds of possibly enriched uranium that remains untracked by the IAEA. The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) reports that Iran’s nuclear program only suffered weeks’ worth of setbacks due to US strikes, contradicting official claims of comprehensive destruction.

“It was obliteration, and you’ll see that” – Trump

Meanwhile, Iran’s parliament has approved a bill to suspend cooperation with the IAEA, pending executive confirmation. This potential withdrawal from the Non-Proliferation Treaty is termed “very regrettable” by Grossi, risking Iran’s isolation and increased global tension.

A Fragile Moment for Non-Proliferation

The aftermath of military interventions points to significant damage at prominent nuclear facilities like Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan—each harboring potential chemical and radiological hazards.

“The IAEA has consistently underlined…armed attacks on nuclear facilities should never take place” – IAEA Director General Grossi

Reports also indicate surviving high-enrichment materials and centrifuges, preserving Iran’s capability to pursue nuclear weapon development. Grossi underscores the necessity of resuming inspections to keep Iran’s uranium stockpiles in check, stressing diplomatic solutions to avert nuclear armament.