The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has raised concerns regarding its inability to verify Iran's nuclear material, more than a year after losing access to key facilities. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi informed the agency’s Board of Governors on September 8, 2026, that Tehran has not provided information during the latest reporting period about its declared nuclear material or facilities, and inspectors have been unable to conduct on-site verification. Grossi stated, "It is more than a year since the Agency lost continuity of knowledge" over previously declared stocks of uranium enriched to as much as 60 percent at facilities affected by US and Israeli attacks in June 2025. He emphasized that the lack of information and access poses a proliferation concern that needs urgent rectification, urging Iran to restore effective cooperation with the IAEA.
In response, France, Germany, the UK, and the US are advocating for the IAEA to report Iran to the UN Security Council (UNSC), seeking support for a draft resolution at the IAEA's 35-member board. The proposed resolution would send the Iran issue back to the UNSC for the first time in two decades. It requests Grossi to transmit the resolution, previous board decisions, and his latest report to the UNSC and General Assembly, while also calling on Iran to provide the necessary information and access for inspectors.
Iran has rejected this initiative, asserting that its nuclear program is peaceful. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei criticized Western governments for turning to the IAEA after failing to achieve their objectives through other means. He stated, "Whenever they run out of options, they turn to the agency and Grossi," and attributed the restrictions faced by inspectors to US and Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. Baghaei warned that Iran would take "necessary measures" if the Western powers pursued the resolution. The draft resolution has not yet been formally submitted to the board, and negotiations over its wording are ongoing. Even if approved, any action at the Security Council could face opposition from Russia and China, two of the five permanent veto powers.