Fact Check: "IAEA found traces of uranium in undeclared Iranian sites."
What We Know
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been investigating Iran's nuclear activities for over two decades. Recent reports indicate that the IAEA has indeed identified traces of uranium at several undeclared sites in Iran. According to a report from Reuters, the agency concluded that Iran did not declare nuclear material and nuclear-related activities at three undeclared locations. This finding aligns with previous inspections where traces of uranium were detected, including at sites that Iran had not previously acknowledged as part of its nuclear program (AP News).
Furthermore, the IAEA's Director General, Rafael Grossi, stated that it is highly likely that sensitive centrifuges used to enrich uranium inside the Fordow facility were severely damaged during recent military strikes (Reuters). This suggests ongoing concerns about Iran's nuclear capabilities and the potential for undeclared activities.
Analysis
The claim that the IAEA found traces of uranium in undeclared Iranian sites is supported by multiple credible sources. The IAEA's findings are based on rigorous inspections and a long history of monitoring Iran's nuclear activities. The agency's reports, particularly the one dated May 31, 2025, highlight the existence of undeclared nuclear material and activities (Reuters).
However, the context surrounding these findings is complex. The IAEA has faced challenges in verifying Iran's nuclear activities due to limited access to certain sites, especially following military strikes that have disrupted its operations (NPR). The reliability of the IAEA's reports is generally high, as it is an established international body with a mandate to oversee nuclear non-proliferation. Nevertheless, the political context and Iran's historical reluctance to cooperate fully with inspections raise questions about the completeness of the information available to the IAEA.
Moreover, the situation is further complicated by the military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which have led to significant damage and potential concealment of nuclear materials. Experts suggest that while some facilities may have been damaged, Iran likely retains a substantial nuclear capability, including the potential for undeclared sites (NPR). This indicates that while traces of uranium have been found, the full extent of Iran's nuclear activities remains uncertain.
Conclusion
The claim that the IAEA found traces of uranium in undeclared Iranian sites is Partially True. While there is credible evidence supporting the existence of uranium traces at undeclared locations, the overall context of Iran's nuclear activities, including military strikes and limited access for inspections, complicates the verification process. Thus, while the claim holds merit, it does not capture the complete picture of the situation.
Sources
- U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear sites set up "cat-and-mouse"
- Damning IAEA report spells out past secret nuclear
- Obliterated? Damaged? Inoperable? What's known about Iran's nuclear facilities
- Iran announces a new nuclear enrichment site after UN
- International Atomic Energy Agency | Atoms for Peace and …
- PDF Analysis of the IAEA's May 31, 2025, Comprehensive Iran NPT Safeguards
- Overview | IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency
- Analysis-U.S. Strikes on Iran's Nuclear Sites Set up 'Cat-And-Mouse'
