IAEA Warns Iran Retains Access to Near Weapons-Grade Uranium

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has cautioned that Iran could potentially retrieve stockpiles of near weapons-grade uranium, challenging the assumption that such materials were permanently neutralized. The warning suggests that the physical barriers created by previous military actions have not fully secured the hazardous materials. Speaking in an interview on Bloomberg TV, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi stated that the material, previously thought to be entombed following US bombing campaigns, remains accessible should Tehran decide to recover it. Grossi noted that the material is accessible if there is a desire to retrieve it, indicating that the current state of the sites does not preclude Iranian access. This development centers on the vulnerability of nuclear sites that were targeted by US forces. The ability of Iran to access these stockpiles significantly alters the risk assessment regarding the country's nuclear capabilities and its proximity to developing a weapon. From a market perspective, this escalation in geopolitical risk typically triggers volatility in energy markets and increases demand for safe-haven assets. Investors are likely to monitor for further diplomatic responses or potential military escalations as the international community reacts to the IAEA's findings.