Dr. Lubna Farah
A new chapter of tension is unfolding between the United States and Iran, this time centered on a critical question: what happened to Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium following recent military strikes on its nuclear facilities?
According to information obtained by Reuters, Washington is preparing a draft resolution for consideration by the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The proposed measure would increase pressure on Tehran to provide detailed information regarding the condition of its nuclear sites and the whereabouts of enriched uranium that may have survived recent attacks.
The initiative comes at a sensitive moment, with diplomatic efforts reportedly underway to maintain regional stability and prevent further escalation.
Analysts warn that additional pressure from the IAEA could complicate ongoing discussions and potentially trigger a stronger response from Iran.
The draft resolution reportedly calls on Tehran to provide comprehensive and accurate information regarding its nuclear material and to grant inspectors broader access to verify the status of affected facilities.
A previous resolution adopted in November urged Iran to clarify aspects of its nuclear inventory, but Western governments argue that Tehran has yet to provide sufficient answers.
While the United States has not formally sought to refer the matter to the United Nations Security Council, diplomatic sources indicate that such an option remains available should cooperation with the IAEA fail to improve.
Particular concern surrounds approximately 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity that Iran reportedly possessed before Israeli strikes targeted key nuclear installations.
Although this enrichment level remains below the roughly 90 percent generally associated with weapons-grade material, IAEA experts have repeatedly noted that such a stockpile could be further enriched relatively quickly if a political decision were made to do so.
Reports suggest that while several nuclear facilities sustained severe damage, portions of the enriched uranium inventory may have survived the attacks.
The uncertainty surrounding the material’s location has intensified concerns among Western governments.
Russia has strongly criticized the proposed resolution, arguing that additional pressure on Tehran would be counterproductive.
Russian officials contend that IAEA inspections were proceeding before military action disrupted the situation and warn that new measures could further strain cooperation between Iran and international monitors. China has also expressed reservations about efforts that could increase tensions.
The central question now facing diplomats is whether Iran will provide the transparency sought by the IAEA and Western powers, or whether the dispute over the missing uranium stockpile will deepen the nuclear standoff and further destabilize the region.
The coming days are expected to be critical in determining the next phase of the crisis.
