IAEA Report Finds Undeclared Iranian Nuclear Activity

A confidential report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), seen by Reuters, reveals that Iran conducted secret nuclear activities involving undeclared nuclear material — a disclosure that has raised fresh alarm about Tehran’s nuclear intentions and cast further doubt on stalled diplomatic efforts to revive a nuclear deal. This, as the fifth round of nuclear talks with the US end without any operational conclusions. 

According to Reuters, the IAEA found evidence that Iran engaged in undeclared nuclear activity in violation of its commitments under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The agency cited traces of enriched uranium found at multiple sites that had not been declared to international inspectors, and noted that Iran has yet to offer credible explanations for the findings.

The report underscores longstanding concerns about the true nature of Iran’s nuclear program. While Tehran – now in maintains that its activities are peaceful, the IAEA findings contradict those claims, suggesting a lack of transparency and continued non-compliance.

"The Agency concludes that Iran did not declare nuclear material and nuclear-related activities at three undeclared locations in Iran, specifically, Lavisan-Shian, Varamin, and Turquzabad," the report said.

Reuters notes that a second report was sent to IAEA member yesterday (Saturday), which concludes that Iran's stock of uranium enriched to up to 60% purity, close to the roughly 90% of weapons grade, had grown by roughly half to 408.6 kg - enough, if enriched further, for nine nuclear weapons, according to an IAEA yardstick.

Reacting to the IAEA report, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office released a statement on Saturday, May 31, calling the findings “grave and unequivocal.”

“The agency presents a stark picture that serves as a clear warning sign: despite countless warnings by the international community, Iran is totally determined to complete its nuclear weapons program,” the statement said.

It added that the level of uranium enrichment documented in the report “exists only in countries actively pursuing nuclear weapons and has no civilian justification whatsoever.” According to the statement, Iran’s continued lack of cooperation with IAEA inspectors and its failure to meet basic treaty obligations reinforces Israel’s long-standing position that the nuclear program is military in nature.

“The international community must act now to stop Iran,” the statement concluded.

As noted in the Jerusalem Post, the IAEA’s report is expected to feature prominently in upcoming discussions among agency member states, who may consider whether to censure Iran or pursue further diplomatic or enforcement measures.