Iran tells IAEA that unexploded US bombs are still present at targeted nuclear facilities, and inspectors can’t visit until they’re cleared

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has announced that unexploded American bombs are still present at Iranian nuclear facilities that the US attacked last year, creating a serious security problem at these sensitive locations.

Because of the unexploded bombs, Iran is refusing to allow international inspections until a new safety agreement is created, the Middle East Monitor reports. The remaining explosives pose a major risk to anyone who enters these facilities.

Araghchi said he spoke directly with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi about the problem. The minister asked if the IAEA had any specific rules that cover visits to nuclear facilities that have been bombed by the US. Grossi’s answer was clear: “No, there is nothing of that sort.”

This gap in international rules creates serious problems for nuclear oversight

Araghchi told Grossi that they need to create a binding agreement before any visits can happen again. He pointed to the “existing security issues, including the presence of unexploded bombs and other matters that need to be agreed upon.” Iran says inspections should only happen once an agreement is made to deal with these dangers.

The unexploded bombs were left behind from a conflict last year. In June, Israel, with direct support from the US, launched a 12-day attack on Iran. That conflict involved hitting military and nuclear sites, civilian facilities, and even killing commanders and scientists. Iran responded by targeting Israeli military and intelligence locations with its own missiles and drones.

During that conflict, the US bombed three Iranian nuclear sites before Washington announced a ceasefire. The cleanup at those three sites was either incomplete or never done, leaving behind dangerous remains from the conflict. The current tensions have added to Trump’s aggressive stance toward Iran in recent months.

The discovery strengthens Iran’s deep distrust of the US. Araghchi was open about his feelings regarding current talks, saying that the outcome of negotiations between the two sides remains highly uncertain. “They tried everything and failed, and now they have returned to the negotiating table, but it is unclear where these talks will lead,” the minister said.

Araghchi made it clear that Iran is not taking any chances with US intentions. “We do not trust them. There is a possibility they may resort to deception,” he warned. He said that all Iranian institutions must continue doing their jobs regardless of what happens with any talks. 

The administration has also been imposing tariffs on countries trading with Iran as pressure tactics. Despite this strong distrust, talks between Tehran and Washington resumed in Muscat, Oman, last Friday. These discussions come after weeks of high tensions following a recent US military buildup in the Persian Gulf waters near Iran.