Jump to content

Satellite shows new tunneling at Iran nuke site


Recommended Posts

From DefenseNews

 

Posted 07/09/07 19:16

Satellite Images Show Work Near Iran Nuclear Site

By REUTERS, WASHINGTON

 

Commercial satellite imagery shows Iran is building a new tunnel facility inside a mountain near a key nuclear complex — a possible attempt to protect sensitive uranium enrichment activity from aerial attack, nuclear analysts said July 9.

The pictures taken on June 11 were obtained from DigitalGlobe, a commercial satellite imagery firm, by the Institute for Science and International Science, whose president is David Albright, a physicist and former U.N. weapons inspector in Iraq.

“The construction activity is taking place in the closest mountainous area to the Natanz site, strongly suggesting that the site is affiliated with Natanz,” Albright and colleague Paul Brannen said in a written analysis.

The Natanz complex in the central part of the country is Iran’s most ambitious and controversial nuclear facility, where Tehran is enriching uranium in defiance of U.N. Security Council demands and two sets of limited sanctions.

Enrichment is key to producing fuel for both nuclear weapons, which major powers say is Iran’s goal, and nuclear energy, which Tehran insists is its objective.

The researchers said the construction is new and was not evident in January images taken by DigitalGlobe.

Tunnel entrances are not visible in the satellite photos, but two roads under construction can clearly be seen going up the mountain, with one appearing to lead into a tunnel facility, the analysis said.

The researchers noted that Iran had earlier built a tunnel complex near the Esfahan uranium conversion facility to protect a range of nuclear-related equipment and materials and natural uranium hexaflouride.

“Iran may be constructing a similar facility near Natanz, fearing that the underground halls at Natanz are vulnerable to destruction by military attack,” they said.

“A tunnel facility inside a mountain would offer excellent protection from an aerial attack,” they added.

Although this is the most likely scenario, they said themountain site could be for the direct defense of Natanz, possibly with anti-aircraft batteries or other weapons.

U.S. officials insist they remain committed to a diplomatic solution to the nuclear dispute with Iran, but President Bush has repeatedly made clear that all options, including a military response, are open.

Other nuclear experts played down the construction.

“It is something that the IAEA wants to clarify, but it does not mean it is related to the nuclear issue just because it is close to Natanz,” said a diplomat close to the International Atomic Energy Agency, the U.N. nuclear watchdog.

Asked if the apparent tunnel-building would be on the agenda during an IAEA visit to Iran later this week, the diplomat said: “It is not the main objective, but it is something that might come up.”

A senior U.N. official familiar with IAEA operations in Iran said: “The excavations have been there for a while.” Another U.N. official said, “It’s not a big issue.”

State Department spokesman Sean McCormack refused to comment on the tunnel report, saying he would not discuss intelligence matters.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...