IAEA confirmed Iran enriching uranium to 60% purity, close to weapons-grade
Iran suspended IAEA cooperation after Israel-US strikes during 2025 war
Uncertainty surrounds a fourth uranium enrichment facility in Isfahan
US-Iran talks in Geneva yielded no breakthrough as diplomatic efforts continue
📖 Full Retelling
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported on February 27, 2026, that Iran has stored most of its highly enriched uranium at an underground tunnel complex at its Isfahan facility, urging Tehran to allow inspections as it faces growing international pressure over its nuclear program. The UN nuclear watchdog's report, circulated to member states on Friday, confirmed earlier findings that Iran was enriching uranium up to 60% purity, just a short step away from weapons-grade material, while raising concerns over the IAEA's lack of access to the Isfahan site—one of three facilities the US claimed to have 'obliterated' during last year's 12-day war with Iran. The report also highlighted uncertainty regarding a fourth uranium enrichment facility Iran had announced plans for in Isfahan prior to the conflict, with inspectors unable to determine its precise location, operational status, or whether it currently contains nuclear material. The IAEA noted observing 'regular vehicular activity around the entrance to the tunnel complex' through satellite imagery, stressing the urgency of being able to conduct inspections without further delay. The report comes amid stalled diplomatic efforts, as US and Iranian negotiators concluded a third round of indirect talks in Geneva mediated by Oman with no breakthrough, while technical teams are scheduled to meet again in Vienna alongside the IAEA's 35-country board discussion beginning Monday.
🏷️ Themes
Nuclear Proliferation, International Relations, Diplomacy
Isfahan or Esfahan (Persian: اصفهان [esfæˈhɒːn] ) is a city in the Central District of Isfahan County, Isfahan province, Iran. It is the capital of the province, the county, and the district. It is located 440 kilometres (270 miles) south of Tehran.
# Iran
**Iran**, officially the **Islamic Republic of Iran** and historically known as **Persia**, is a sovereign country situated in West Asia. It is a major regional power, ranking as the 17th-largest country in the world by both land area and population. Combining a rich historical legacy with a...
Uranium processed to increase the percentage of uranium-235
Enriched uranium is a type of uranium in which the percent composition of uranium-235 (written 235U) has been increased through the process of isotope separation. Naturally occurring uranium is composed of three major isotopes: uranium-238 (238U with 99.2732–99.2752% natural abundance), uranium-235...
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is an intergovernmental organization that seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons. It was established in 1957 as an autonomous organization within the United Nations s...
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Original Source
News | Nuclear Energy IAEA urges Iran to allow inspections, points at Isfahan IAEA says Iran has stored most of its highly enriched uranium at an underground tunnel complex at its Isfahan facility. Listen to this article | 4 mins By Al Jazeera Staff and AFP Published On 27 Feb 2026 27 Feb 2026 Click here to share on social media Share Save Add Al Jazeera on Google The United Nations nuclear watchdog has said in a report that Iran has stored most of its highly enriched uranium at an underground tunnel complex at its Isfahan facility, urging Tehran to allow inspections as it faces growing pressure from the United States over its nuclear programme. The International Atomic Energy Agency report, which was circulated to members Friday, confirmed earlier findings that the country was enriching uranium up to 60 percent, which is a short step away weapons-grade purity, raising concerns over the IAEA’s lack of access to the Isfahan site, one of three facilities that the US claimed to have “ obliterated ” in last year’s 12-day war . Recommended Stories list of 3 items list 1 of 3 US-Iran talks conclude with claims of progress but few details list 2 of 3 US re-asserts 2025 strikes ‘obliterated’ Iran’s nuclear programme list 3 of 3 Iran hails ‘encouraging signals’ from US before nuclear talks on Thursday end of list The IAEA report also stated that its inspectors do not know the precise location of a fourth uranium enrichment facility that Iran said it was setting up in Isfahan prior to the 12-day war, adding that they were not aware of its operational status or whether it currently contains nuclear material. The IAEA said it had observed in satellite imagery “regular vehicular activity around the entrance to the tunnel complex at Isfahan in which enriched up to 20% and 60% U-235 … was stored”, stressing the importance of being able to carry out inspections in Iran without further delay. There was no immediate comment from Iran. The report comes a day after US and Iranian negot...
