The UN’s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has said that the lack of information being provided by Iran on its nuclear enrichment plant is cause for “serious proliferation concern”.
Iran has not allowed any UN inspectors into its nuclear facilities since it reportedly started rebuilding its systems following the joint US/Israeli strikes that destroyed major sites, including the Fordow plant, last June.
The targets of the strikes also included a tunnel network where diplomats believe Iran’s Isfahan Fuel Enrichment Plant (IFEP) is located.
The IAEA had planned to inspect the site on June 13 last year but this was cancelled due to the hostilities, and officials have not been allowed to visit since.
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said that he believes that a significant amount of Iran's nuclear enrichment activity happens at the IFEP.
A report published by the IAEA, and seen by Reuters, in part reads: “The Agency does not know IFEP's exact location, status for safeguards purposes or whether it contains nuclear material.
“The Agency is also increasingly concerned that Iran has not permitted the Agency to [inspect the plant or see design plans].”
“The Agency's lack of information about this nuclear material and access to facilities to verify it is a matter of serious proliferation concern... and needs to be rectified with the utmost urgency.”
The report also stated that Iran should inform the IAEA of the status of its enrichment plants as well as its stock of highly enriched uranium, some of which is close to weapon grade.
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