Very strong' nuclear verification needed in Iran, IAEA head says

IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said Iran needs a “very strong” nuclear verification system after recent Middle East conflict dynamics, to ensure Tehran does not develop nuclear weapons. Speaking in Japan, Grossi said a U.S.-Iran preliminary agreement aims to prevent weaponization, but “intentions are not enough” without robust verification. He said the IAEA had “barely initiated” discussions with Iran on what to do with Tehran’s uranium stockpile after negotiations with Washington, expecting talks to accelerate soon. Prior to the June 2025 attacks by Israel and the United States, the agency estimated Iran had 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%, close to levels required for a bomb and above the 2015 JCPOA limit. Grossi noted potential downblending under IAEA supervision or shipping enriched material out of Iran, though inspection access remains contested.