U.N. agency pushes access to Iran nuclear site as Trump calls deal unnecessary

Inspectors barred from Isfahan

The International Atomic Energy Agency sought permission in February to inspect the Isfahan facility, known as IFEP. Iran refused, arguing that threats and acts of aggression made normal safeguards work impracticable.

In a September report, the agency described regular vehicle movement near the entrance to the site’s tunnel complex, based on satellite images. It believes some of Iran’s roughly 900-pound stockpile of highly enriched uranium may have been buried there after June 2025 missile strikes.

Trump says agreement not needed

Trump said Thursday that the United States did not need an agreement with Iran. He also told Vice President JD Vance to turn his attention to domestic politics, including what Trump alleges is Democratic corruption and crime.

The administration has presented Iran’s nuclear program as a central reason for the war, but its statements on the uranium stockpile have shifted. Iran has made no commitments on its stockpiles or enrichment program and says it will not negotiate with Washington until a formal ceasefire is in place.

Conflicting claims over Bahrain radar

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it destroyed a U.S. early-warning radar system in Bahrain, according to a statement reported Friday by Iran’s IRNA news agency. The Guard described the strike as a warning after a U.S. attack on a telecommunications pole in Sirik, in southern Iran.

U.S. Central Command said Iran had sent two drones toward Bahrain, but U.S. forces intercepted both. It reported no injuries or damage, rejecting Iran’s claim that the radar installation was destroyed.

Tensions in Strait of Hormuz

Iran has continued warning ships not to travel through the Strait of Hormuz without its approval. The Revolutionary Guard said Friday that a ship had exploded after hitting a mine in the strait, where Iran has sought to limit navigation.