The UN Security Council convened on Tuesday to discuss international safeguards and nuclear oversight. Eleven members voted in favour of the meeting after a procedural vote to adopt the agenda.
Russia and China cast the two opposing votes. Pakistan and Somalia abstained.
Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, addressed the Council. He told diplomats that the agency continues to engage with Tehran to encourage Iran to clarify all remaining safeguards issues.
Grossi pointed to a major concern involving previously declared nuclear material, including 440 kilogrammes of High Enriched Uranium. These specific issues have now been outstanding for more than five years.
The agency withdrew all its inspectors from Iran by the end of June 2025. Grossi explained that the withdrawal occurred for safety reasons after military attacks began. Inspectors have been available to return for many months, he added.
Grossi stated that Iran has not provided the requested information and access. The IAEA needs this access to verify previously declared nuclear material at Iranian facilities under safeguards, whether the sites were affected by military attacks or not.
One facility remains an exception. Grossi confirmed that inspectors are currently undertaking verification activities at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant.
He also acknowledged some constructive cooperation from Iranian authorities. The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran engaged with the agency to arrange the delivery of safeguards equipment. This equipment is needed to verify spent fuel before its transfer to a new dry storage facility, which is expected early next year.
Grossi detailed the broader scope of agency operations. Inspectors spent more than 14,000 calendar days in the field last year, conducting verification activities at more than 1,400 facilities and locations while drawing safeguards conclusions for 179 states.
Grossi urged Tehran to act without delay. He invited Iran to work with the IAEA to clarify outstanding safeguards questions and demanded that Tehran provide access, as is Iran’s legal obligation.
