Satellite images show work near Iran nuclear site

Washington, July 10: 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 today.

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 UN 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 UN 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 the mountain site could be for the direct defense of Natanz, possibly with anti-aircraft batteries or other weapons.

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

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

Reuters

Related Stories

>