Iran Develops New Uranium Enrichment Site Amid Ongoing Conflict
ISFAHAN, Iran (AP) — Iran has begun developing a new uranium enrichment facility at a complex near Isfahan, according to the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, raising further concerns about Tehran’s nuclear program as conflict with the United States and Israel continues. The site, located underground, was reportedly damaged in joint U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities last June.
Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stated that inspectors have yet to determine if the facility is operational. “It is underground, but we haven’t visited it yet,” Grossi told reporters in Washington during meetings with Trump administration officials.
Iran informed the IAEA of the new facility in June 2025, but a planned inspection was cancelled following the attacks that initiated the 12-day war with Israel. Grossi indicated the IAEA doesn’t know if the site contains functioning centrifuges – used to enrich uranium for both power generation and potential weapons development – or is simply an “empty hall.”
The IAEA estimates Iran possessed 440.9 kg of uranium enriched to up to 60% purity in June, enough for ten potential nuclear weapons, according to the agency’s standards. Grossi indicated that approximately 200 kg of this highly enriched uranium remains at the Isfahan complex.
The U.S. and Israel have repeatedly expressed concerns about Iran’s nuclear program, alleging it is nearing the capability to produce a nuclear weapon – a claim Tehran denies. Former President Trump previously asserted that U.S. strikes in June had effectively dismantled the program, a statement contradicted by the IAEA’s findings.
Recent reports indicate alleged strikes on Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant, with both Iran and Russia claiming a projectile impacted the grounds. The IAEA has stated the latest strike on the Iranian nuclear site caused no damage or injuries. Entrances to the Natanz uranium enrichment plant, previously targeted, were also struck during the recent U.S.-Israeli military actions.
The situation remains volatile as fighting persists. Iran has not provided the IAEA with information regarding the status or location of its highly enriched uranium since the June attacks, and has not permitted IAEA inspectors to revisit the bombed facilities.