IAEA Says It Cannot Rule Out Diversion of Iranian Nuclear Material, Urges Inspections

The International Atomic Energy Agency said in a confidential report seen by AFP on Friday that it cannot conclude Iran has not diverted declared nuclear material from peaceful activities, and it urged Tehran to take incremental steps to let inspectors return to key nuclear facilities. The agency said verification activities in Iran were critical and should happen without further delay. It blamed the lack of cooperation for its inability to give that assurance, and the report cited serious proliferation concerns. Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi encourages Iran to consider technical and gradual measures that would create conditions for inspectors' return. The IAEA also acknowledged that military attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities and sites created an unprecedented situation. The agency has had no access to key facilities since Israel, joined by the United States, launched a 12-day conflict in June 2025 that included strikes on nuclear sites. Nuclear facilities were also hit in the latest war, which began on February 28, and the IAEA has repeatedly called for access.

Left-leaning and right-leaning outlets had not reported this story at the time of writing. Only alternative and independent outlets had, so there is no left-right comparison to draw. The Times of Israel leads with the agency's inability to confirm that no nuclear material was diverted, and stresses urgent proliferation concerns and the call for inspectors to return to key sites. The Hindu leads with the request for incremental steps toward inspections. It adds background on the June 2025 conflict and the February 28 war, and notes the agency's acknowledgement of an unprecedented situation.