The International Atomic Energy Agency has reported that the Islamic Republic has begun construction of an underground centrifuge facility in Natanz, where it was destroyed in an explosion in July. •
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed today (Tuesday) that Iran has begun construction of an underground centrifuge facility at the Natanz facility.
Archive // Iran: Explosion at al-Zarkan power plant in Ahwaz
The agency's report is confirmation of allegations made by Iran last month that it intends to rebuild the centrifuge development facility that was destroyed in the July explosion, which Tehran claims was a deliberate sabotage.
According to the Iranians, the new centrifuge development site will be located underground and will be more resistant - even to air strikes.
The director general of the World Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Jacuzzi, told the Associated Press that Iran continues to increase production of low-level enriched nuclear material, but at this stage it does not appear to have enough of it to develop weapons.
Satellite imagery of the Natanz area has so far shown no evidence of comprehensive construction or development.
About two weeks ago, the Iranian opposition organization, the Iranian National Council for Resistance, reported that the Revolutionary Guards had begun construction of a nuclear weapons production site east of the capital Tehran, near the ballistic missile production facility in Perchin.
The claim did not receive official confirmation from other sources, but satellite photos that were revealed show the construction of a large military complex at the place indicated by the opposition organization.