Nuclear Inspectors Find No Reconstruction in Iran
International nuclear watchdogs have not observed any efforts by Iran to repair nuclear facilities that were damaged by airstrikes from the United States and Israel. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Director General Rafael Grossi, shared this information with the United Nations on Tuesday, noting that their monitoring activities have shown no reconstruction activities at these facilities impacted during military operations in 2025 and 2026. Still, there remain concerns because inspectors cannot confirm the whereabouts of several hundred kilograms of highly enriched uranium, which raises questions about Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
“Since June 2025, we haven’t seen any activities aimed at repairing or rebuilding,” Grossi stated during his address to the Security Council. This conclusion aligns with previous claims made by U.S. officials and the Pentagon.
The damage sustained by Iranian nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, was extensive due to American strikes in June 2025. Former Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, mentioned in her testimony that Iran’s nuclear enrichment program was effectively “obliterated” by these attacks. She further noted that there have been no attempts to restore enrichment capabilities, as the entrances to the destroyed facilities have been covered with cement.
During a Senate hearing, Gabbard confirmed her belief that Iranian enrichment efforts were indeed destroyed, responding affirmatively when asked whether intelligence agencies considered both the program annihilated and if there had been any attempts to revive it. Yet, she sidestepped questions regarding whether there was an imminent threat from Iran’s nuclear ambitions prior to a U.S. offensive in February, suggesting that only President Trump could accurately determine the threat level.
The U.S. initiated another major military operation against Iran on February 28, 2026, targeting various military capabilities including missile and naval forces, as part of a broader strategy to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth claimed that American operations targeted nearly 80% of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, further diminishing Tehran’s ability to develop atomic weapons.
Despite repeated warnings regarding Iran’s nuclear intentions, recent findings indicate the country has not actively attempted to restore its damaged nuclear framework. However, Grossi noted that monitoring from a distance cannot substitute for physical inspections.
The IAEA has reported difficulties in tracking around 970 pounds (440 kilograms) of highly enriched uranium previously declared by Iran. Access to many nuclear facilities has been limited since the American and Israeli strikes disrupted regular inspections in June 2025. Prior to these attacks, Iran was estimated to have 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity, close to the level typically associated with nuclear weapons capability.
The agency has also been unable to verify whether previously disclosed nuclear materials have been removed from civilian use. The lack of on-ground inspections leaves the agency unable to confirm whether Iran has permanently set aside its nuclear aspirations.
Grossi specifically asked for access to the Isfahan Fuel Enrichment Plant, which Iran announced plans to establish in June 2025. An intended inspection was scheduled for the day after the announcement but was canceled due to the onset of Israeli airstrikes.
The Bushehr nuclear power plant is the only exception where inspections are ongoing. The findings come after the IAEA Board of Governors decided in September to refer Iran to the Security Council over breaches in nuclear safeguard commitments.
Both Russia and China expressed disapproval regarding the Security Council’s meeting, arguing there was insufficient basis to revisit Iran’s nuclear program in the current context. Their objections were overruled in a procedural vote.
Iran’s Deputy Ambassador criticized the U.S. and Israeli strikes, claiming Washington was acting aggressively and insisting that Iran’s nuclear activities are peaceful. In contrast, U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz demanded that Iran clarify its continued non-compliance with nuclear inspection requirements.
Grossi called on Iran to cooperate with international inspectors and pursue diplomatic steps to restore faith in its nuclear program, emphasizing that achieving a lasting solution would require legitimate inspections and verification rather than solely military responses.
