The International Atomic Energy Agency reported to United Nations member states that Iran's nuclear program has shown no major changes since military operations involving U.S. and Israeli forces began in the country more than three months ago. The confidential assessment, reviewed by Reuters, represents the agency's first evaluation of Iran's nuclear activities since the conflict started.
The IAEA's findings indicate that despite ongoing military operations, Iran's nuclear infrastructure and enrichment activities have remained stable. The agency continues to monitor Iran's nuclear facilities as part of international agreements designed to prevent nuclear weapons development.
The conflict began in early 2026, prompting international concern about the security of Iran's nuclear sites and the potential for further escalation. The IAEA's regular inspections and monitoring provide the global community with verified information about Iran's nuclear activities during this period of tension.
The report was presented to the IAEA's 35-member Board of Governors, which includes major world powers and regional states. These confidential assessments inform international diplomatic responses and policy decisions regarding Iran's nuclear program. The agency has maintained monitoring access to Iranian nuclear facilities despite the active conflict.
However, the broader context surrounding the conflict reveals significant complications in recent nuclear negotiations. According to reporting on the failed talks, the U.S. approach to negotiations was marked by inexperience and unconventional tactics. American officials managing the discussions, including special envoy Steve Witkoff, lacked deep expertise in Iran's nuclear program and regional affairs. During negotiations held in Oman in February 2026, U.S. military officials unexpectedly attended talks, creating diplomatic tensions.
The negotiating sessions were also unusually brief and under-resourced. When the U.S. Obama administration conducted similar talks in Vienna in 2009, it sent 10 senior officials from four departments across three full days of discussion. In contrast, the recent rounds involved minimal technical expertise on the American side, with only one political adviser accompanying Witkoff in early talks.
By February 2026, Iran had presented a seven-page written proposal for a nuclear agreement during talks in Geneva, which officials believed merited serious consideration. However, Iran's government did not publicly release this offer despite internal pressure to do so. The final negotiating session on February 26 ended without agreement.
Observers familiar with the negotiations indicated that greater time, expertise and willingness to engage seriously could have changed the outcome. One Gulf diplomat stated that among all explanations of what occurred, "it is the Iranians that have normally been telling the truth."
The IAEA's current assessment confirms that Iran's nuclear program remains within monitored parameters despite the military conflict and failed diplomatic efforts to establish a lasting nuclear agreement.