IAEA Calls for Urgent Access to Iran's Nuclear Sites

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has emphasized the urgent need for access to Iran's nuclear sites in a quarterly report released on September 1, 2026. The report highlights concerns regarding the lack of information and access to facilities to verify Iran's nuclear material, which the IAEA describes as a proliferation concern. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated that the ongoing issues surrounding these matters must be resolved through a verifiable diplomatic agreement. The report specifically mentions the Isfahan plant, which has been targeted by the US and Israel in the past year. Iran's Atomic Energy Organization head, Mohammad Eslami, indicated on August 26 that the IAEA must establish specific criteria and protocols for inspecting sites that have been subjected to military attacks before access can be granted. Following military actions by the US and Israel in June 2025, Iran suspended cooperation with the IAEA but later agreed to allow inspectors to return in September 2025. However, access to the bombed nuclear sites has not yet been provided. Despite claims from former US President Donald Trump that the US had significantly damaged Iran's nuclear capabilities, the IAEA reports that Iran's enriched uranium stores remain unaccounted for. Iran maintains that its nuclear program is intended for civilian purposes and denies any military ambitions. The IAEA's latest report will be discussed at its board of governors meeting scheduled for September 21-25, 2026.