UN Nuclear Chief Confirms No Active Enrichment in Iran’s Uranium

The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog, Rafael Mariano Grossi, stated on March 6, 2024, that Iran is not currently enriching uranium but noted increased activity at its nuclear sites. In an interview with The Associated Press at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Grossi emphasized that while there has been no evidence of accelerated uranium production, the situation remains closely monitored.

Grossi, who serves as the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), explained that although inspectors lack access to Iranian nuclear facilities, satellite imagery indicates movement around areas where nuclear materials are stored. “We have not seen any activity via satellite that suggests Iran has ramped up its production of uranium enriched beyond the levels compiled prior to the 12-day conflict with Israel in June 2023,” he said.

Despite this lack of direct evidence for increased enrichment, Grossi raised concerns about the stockpiles of enriched uranium. He highlighted that the nuclear material enriched to 60% purity remains in Iran. “This is one of the critical points we are discussing because we need to return to verify that this material is present and has not been diverted for other uses,” Grossi noted. “This is very, very important.”

The IAEA has faced challenges in monitoring Iran’s nuclear activities due to restrictions on access to the sites. As a result, the agency has relied heavily on satellite imaging, which, while useful, does not provide a complete picture. Grossi acknowledged the limitations of this method, indicating that more direct oversight is essential for accurate assessments of Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

The ongoing dialogue between the IAEA and Iran is crucial as tensions persist over the country’s nuclear program. The international community remains watchful, aiming to ensure that Iran complies with the commitments it has made under various agreements.

As of now, the situation continues to evolve, and the IAEA is determined to pursue further verification efforts. Ensuring that enriched nuclear material is safely managed remains a priority for the agency as it navigates the complexities of international nuclear oversight.