Khaberni - The Iranian nuclear file has returned to the forefront of international attention, after recent satellite images revealed new activity at one of the sensitive nuclear sites that was bombed by US-Israeli forces during the 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June. A report by "Newsweek" shed light on these developments, warning that the new movements could reflect Iranian efforts to rehabilitate parts of its nuclear program.
New activity at the Natanz facility
The report, prepared by news correspondent Amir Daftari, stated that satellite images showed recent activity at a pilot fuel enrichment facility inside the Natanz nuclear complex, a facility that was damaged by American and Israeli airstrikes.
The report added that these images have raised concerns that Tehran is working to recover or examine the remaining enrichment capabilities at the site, amidst ongoing uncertainty surrounding its nuclear intentions.
Assessment by the Institute for Science and International Security
The Institute for Science and International Security, a research center specializing in nuclear non-proliferation issues, indicated that the images suggest that Iran is taking steps to protect the damaged site and provide access to it away from external monitoring.
The report noted that the facility likely contained several kilograms of highly enriched uranium, which the institute described as not something to be overlooked in the context of Iran's nuclear capabilities.
Why is Natanz so significant?
The report continued that the pilot fuel enrichment facility in Natanz is considered a basic pillar in the Iranian nuclear program, as it has historically been used in the research and development of advanced enrichment technologies and centrifuges.
The report mentioned that the resumption of activity at this facility comes at a time when US and Israeli concerns about the Iranian nuclear program, despite Tehran's denial of its intentions to possess nuclear weapons, are approaching enrichment levels that could provide access to materials suitable for military use.
Technical details.. Covering the debris
The report clarified that satellite images taken on December 13 showed panels placed over the remaining structure of the anti-drone protection system at the facility.
The report added that a large gap is still visible at the site, where the bombing penetrated the protective cage, but the new coverage could allow Iran to examine the debris or extract materials from it, while reducing the ability of satellites to monitor, the Institute for Science and International Security indicated that this suggests Iran wants to explore the debris away from prying eyes.
Other nuclear sites.. Cautious calm
The report mentioned that the Institute for Science and International Security did not detect similar activity at other major Iranian nuclear sites, such as the underground Fordo facility or the Esfahan complexes, which also suffered damage during the bombing in June.
The report explained that the focus on Natanz may be due to its pivotal role in nuclear research and development compared to other sites.
Restrictions on access for the International Atomic Energy Agency
In a related context, the report clarified that international inspections are still restricted. The report quoted the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, as saying that inspectors had returned to some facilities, but were still banned from entering sites that had been bombed.
Grossi added: "We are only allowed access to the sites that were not targeted. The other three sites - Natanz, Esfahan, and Fordo - are more significant because they still contain large amounts of nuclear materials and equipment.
Divergent stances
The report continued that international statements reflected a clear divergence in views. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the nuclear program was over, suggesting that Iran could have avoided human losses had it agreed to a deal. In contrast, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said that his country is facing a broad propaganda and psychological war.
Resurgence of nuclear doubts
The report concluded by stating that the activity observed at the Natanz facility is likely to attract more international scrutiny, whether through satellite monitoring or diplomatic pressure. The return of international inspectors to the banned sites will be a crucial factor in assessing the next Iranian steps and their implications for the security and stability of the region.
