VIENNA, June 10, 2025 — The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) issued a strong warning about Iran’s rapidly progressing nuclear program on Monday morning at their quarterly Board of Governors meeting, fueling fears it is moving closer towards developing nuclear weapon capability.
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA in Vienna, expressed grave alarm about Iran’s refusal to fully cooperate with inspectors and its continuing enrichment of uranium to near weapons-grade levels. According to Grossi, Iranian nuclear activities were increasingly of concern, since transparency has decreased significantly and verification efforts remain severely limited.
According to a report by the IAEA, Iran now possesses over 140 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% – just one step shy of weapons-grade enrichment at 90% – as of their most recent report. Furthermore, hundreds of advanced centrifuges have been installed at Iran’s underground Fordow and Natanz facilities that are less vulnerable to conventional military strikes than previously anticipated.
Grossi noted that Iran had failed to provide credible explanations for any undeclared locations where nuclear material has been found – in violation of its safeguards obligations – making it impossible for his agency to offer assurances that Iran’s program was exclusively peaceful, as he told a board comprised of 35 members.
This board meeting comes at a time of increasing regional tensions and international dissatisfaction with the diplomatic process to resurrect the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the 2015 nuclear deal which began unravelling after U.S. withdrawal in 2018. Since then, Iran has expanded its nuclear activities beyond those stipulated by this deal.
Western diplomats at the meeting pushed for an united response against Iran. According to reports, the US, France, Germany, and UK are reportedly working together on drafting a formal resolution demanding greater cooperation from Tehran as well as access to all potential nuclear sites.
“Diplomacy’s window for success is closing,” declared U.S. Ambassador to the IAEA Laura Holgate. If Iran continues down this path, further isolation and more serious repercussions may result.
Iran’s representative to the IAEA dismissed Western warnings about Iran as politically motivated and charged them with double standards. Iran’s nuclear program remains peaceful while silence surrounding Israel’s undeclared arsenal is the real danger, according to their representative at IAEA.
Analysts warn that, should the current impasse continue, Iran could be referred back to the UN Security Council – potentially setting off additional rounds of sanctions or even military clashes.
As the Board of Governors convenes behind closed doors to consider next steps, global attention remains fixed on Vienna. IAEA warnings have stirred concern that regional tensions may enter an uncharted phase in their longstanding nuclear standoff with Iran.