IAEA's Iran Credibility Crisis: Bombed Sites Stay Off-Limits

The International Atomic Energy Agency has inspected all unbombed Iranian nuclear facilities but remains barred from struck sites—the most sensitive enrichment nodes. Without access to those installations, the IAEA cannot verify Iran's full inventory or assure states relying on its assessments. As of January 2026, Director General Rafael Grossi warned the standoff cannot continue indefinitely. The Agency's lack of enforcement power means its only tool is credibility.