IAEA raises alarm over Iran's nuclear program as tanker hits mine in Strait of Hormuz

The United Nations' nuclear watchdog warned Friday that Iran's continued refusal to cooperate with inspectors has left major questions about its nuclear program unresolved, including the status of its enriched uranium stockpile and a newly declared enrichment facility. The warning came as Iranian authorities reported another tanker explosion in the Strait of Hormuz.

In its latest report, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said it could not conclude that no nuclear material had been diverted from peaceful nuclear activities in Iran because it lacks the information and access necessary to conduct verification.

The finding does not establish that nuclear material has been diverted but reflects the agency's inability to independently verify its location and status.

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi noted Iran's continued refusal to engage with the agency in efforts to resolve longstanding safeguards issues, warning that the lack of cooperation has undermined international oversight of Tehran's nuclear activities.

The watchdog also expressed growing concern over Iran's refusal to allow inspectors to examine design information or visit the Isfahan uranium enrichment plant, which Tehran declared in June 2025.

The agency said it still does not know the facility's precise location or whether it contains nuclear material. Without access to the site, inspectors cannot independently determine its operational status or assess whether nuclear material is present.

The IAEA said its lack of information about Iran's enriched uranium stockpile and its inability to access nuclear facilities since the Israeli and U.S. strikes in June 2025 constitute a serious proliferation concern requiring urgent action.

Before those attacks, the agency estimated that Iran possessed 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity, approaching the 90% generally considered weapons-grade. Inspectors have since been unable to independently verify the stockpile's current size, composition or location.

Grossi has repeatedly urged Tehran to provide the information and access necessary to restore verification activities under its obligations to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Iran maintains that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes and has argued that military attacks and continuing security threats have made normal inspections impractical.

The IAEA, however, maintains that Iran's safeguards obligations remain in force, warning that restoring access to nuclear facilities and accounting for enriched uranium are essential to addressing international proliferation concerns.

Iran reports another tanker explosion in Strait of Hormuz

Separately, Iran's Revolutionary Guard navy said Friday that a tanker carrying liquefied gas struck a naval mine and suffered an explosion in the Strait of Hormuz after traveling along what it described as an unauthorized and dangerous route, according to Iranian state media.

The tanker was not immediately identified, and no information was available about casualties or the extent of the damage. The Iranian account could not be independently verified.

The incident followed reports Thursday that four oil tankers had been struck by explosions in the strategic waterway after allegedly ignoring Iranian warnings and entering areas Tehran considers restricted.

Iranian authorities said the vessels had disregarded navigation warnings, raising fresh concerns about maritime security in one of the world's most important shipping routes.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical passage for global oil and gas supplies, and the continuing attacks on commercial vessels have heightened concerns about disruptions to international energy markets.

Tankers have continued to face attacks despite a recovery in shipping traffic and growing expectations of a de-escalation in the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, developments that have contributed to falling oil prices.

At least 10 ships were hit during the first 10 days of November, following 37 attacks in October, the highest monthly total since the conflict began in late February, according to data from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

The continued violence in the strait, alongside unresolved concerns over Iran's nuclear activities, underscores the security challenges facing the region despite expectations of easing tensions.