What's happened
As of November 2025, Iran's nuclear program remains under intense international scrutiny following a 12-day war with Israel in June, during which the US joined strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. The IAEA has conducted inspections but lacks access to key facilities like Fordow and Natanz. Iran vows to rebuild its nuclear infrastructure stronger, rejects direct US talks, and insists its program is peaceful despite Western concerns and renewed sanctions.
What's behind the headline?
Limited IAEA Access and Verification Challenges
Despite about a dozen inspections since June, the IAEA has been denied entry to critical nuclear sites such as Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, which were bombed during the conflict. This severely limits the agency's ability to verify Iran's nuclear activities and uranium stockpiles.
Iran's Nuclear Stockpiles and Rebuilding Efforts
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi confirms that most of Iran's enriched uranium, including material enriched up to 60%, remains intact at damaged sites. Iran's leadership vows to rebuild these facilities "with greater strength," signaling a determination to continue its nuclear program despite international pressure.
Diplomatic Stalemate and Regional Tensions
Iran rejects direct talks with the US, citing unfair conditions and ongoing US support for Israel and military presence in the region. The US, under President Trump, maintains a "maximum pressure" campaign, warning of further strikes if Iran resumes nuclear operations at bombed sites. Meanwhile, regional actors like Oman call for renewed dialogue, highlighting a complex geopolitical landscape.
Broader Implications
The situation underscores a shift from diplomacy to military confrontation, with the IAEA caught between enforcing compliance and navigating political tensions. The risk of renewed conflict remains high, as both Iran and Israel prepare for potential future hostilities. The international community faces a critical juncture: either reinvigorate diplomatic efforts or brace for escalating instability in the Middle East.
Forecast
Without significant changes in cooperation and diplomacy, Iran will likely continue advancing its nuclear capabilities under limited international oversight. This will sustain regional insecurity and may provoke further military actions, complicating global non-proliferation goals.
What the papers say
The New Arab and Reuters report that the IAEA has conducted inspections but lacks access to key Iranian nuclear sites bombed by the US and Israel, with Iranian officials asserting compliance with the NPT while denying access to some facilities. Rafael Grossi, IAEA chief, emphasizes the need for Iran to "seriously improve" cooperation, warning that Iran "cannot say 'I remain within the non-proliferation treaty' and then not comply with obligations" (The Times of Israel).
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera that Tehran is open to indirect negotiations but rejects US demands for zero uranium enrichment and missile program limitations, calling US conditions "illogical and unfair." He also stated that Iran's enriched uranium remains "under the rubble" of bombed facilities (Al Jazeera).
US President Donald Trump has warned of fresh attacks if Iran restarts operations at bombed nuclear sites, maintaining a "maximum pressure" stance (The Times of Israel, Reuters).
IAEA Director Grossi, in interviews with France 24 and other outlets, highlighted that most enriched uranium remains at Iranian sites despite damage and urged a return to diplomacy, dismissing claims that the IAEA report justified military strikes. He also noted the agency's challenges due to Iran's limited cooperation post-conflict (France 24).
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed to rebuild nuclear facilities "with greater strength" while denying nuclear weapons ambitions, reflecting Tehran's defiant posture (The New Arab, The Times of Israel).
These sources collectively illustrate a complex standoff: Iran's nuclear program persists under constrained international oversight amid heightened regional tensions, stalled diplomacy, and threats of renewed military action.
How we got here
Tensions escalated after Israel launched a 12-day war against Iran in June 2025, with US support targeting Iranian nuclear sites. This followed the IAEA board declaring Iran in violation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Sanctions were reimposed, and nuclear talks between Iran and the US stalled. Iran has since restricted IAEA access to key nuclear facilities, complicating verification efforts.
Go deeper
- What is the current status of Iran's nuclear facilities?
- How is the IAEA involved in monitoring Iran's nuclear program?
- What are the prospects for renewed US-Iran nuclear talks?
Common question
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What is Iran's current stance on its nuclear program?
Iran's recent declarations and actions regarding its nuclear activities have raised many questions worldwide. Despite setbacks from recent conflicts, Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful and refuses to negotiate its missile and uranium enrichment policies. This stance has significant implications for regional stability and international diplomacy. Below, we explore the key questions about Iran's nuclear posture and what it means for global security.
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Is Iran Rebuilding Its Nuclear Facilities? What’s the Current Status?
Iran’s nuclear program remains a hot topic amid ongoing tensions with the US and Israel. Recent reports suggest Iran is prepared to rebuild nuclear sites and maintain its civilian nuclear activities despite sanctions and military threats. But what does this mean for regional security and global diplomacy? Below, we answer the most common questions about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and current stance.
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What Are the Major Global Conflicts and Risks Right Now?
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Why is Iran's nuclear program causing concern now?
Iran's nuclear activities are at the center of global attention, with recent developments raising fears of regional instability and potential military conflict. Many wonder what exactly is happening with Iran's nuclear program, why it’s causing concern now, and what might happen next. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding Iran's nuclear standoff and what it means for the world.
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What’s the latest on Iran’s nuclear program and regional tensions?
Iran’s nuclear ambitions remain a hot topic in 2025, with ongoing tensions, limited international oversight, and regional conflicts shaping the landscape. Many wonder if Iran is still enriching uranium, what the current diplomatic status is, and how regional conflicts influence the situation. Here, we answer the most pressing questions about Iran’s nuclear program and its regional implications.
More on these topics
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Iran, also called Persia, and officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered to the northwest by Armenia and Azerbaijan, to the north by the Caspian Sea, to the northeast by Turkmenistan, to the east by Afghanistan a
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Masoud Pezeshkian is an Iranian heart surgeon and reformist politician of Azerbaijani and Kurdish descent who is currently President-elect of Iran.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Rafael Mariano Grossi is an Argentine diplomat. Since 3 December 2019, he serves as Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
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The International Atomic Energy Agency is an international organization that seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons.
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Abbas Araghchi is an Iranian diplomat who is currently the political deputy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran. He previously held office as the Deputy for Asia–Pacific and the Commonwealth Affairs and Legal and International Affairs of the Mini
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.