Recent developments surrounding the highly fortified site known as 'Mount Faas' near Natanz, Iran, have reignited tensions between Washington and Tehran. This comes as U.S. President Donald Trump has once again hinted at the possibility of military strikes against the site, where new activity has been detected according to Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The agency is currently unable to inspect the expansive underground tunnel complex at this location, which has raised significant concerns among the permanent members of the UN Security Council over Iran's nuclear ambitions.
In an interview with Bloomberg, Grossi revealed that the IAEA has observed construction activity at 'Mount Faas' (also referred to as 'Pikaks'), which is suspected of hosting operations linked to Iran's nuclear program. While Grossi acknowledged that the agency has yet to conduct inspections of the tunnel complex, satellite images suggest that there have been recent movements at the site located approximately 225 kilometers south of Tehran, adjacent to Iran's main uranium enrichment facility in Natanz. He indicated that while there are signs of activity around the construction site, the agency lacks concrete information regarding the specific nature of these activities.
In a rally held in Dallas, President Trump warned Iran against what he termed reckless behavior, stating that the U.S. might resort to bombing 'Mount Faas'. He emphasized that the U.S. is monitoring the situation closely, advising Iran to act cautiously as military action could be imminent. The site, which features a network of tunnels carved into granite, has shifted from excavation efforts to fortifying tunnel entrances and internal construction in recent months, according to expert analyses.
Amid escalating international pressure on Iran, the UN Security Council convened to discuss the Iranian nuclear issue. U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea, reported that the IAEA has repeatedly urged Iran to grant access to its inspectors, reaffirming the U.S. commitment to working with international partners to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The UK's representative echoed these sentiments, noting Iran's lack of cooperation with the IAEA and highlighting ongoing disputes regarding inspections and verification of Iran's nuclear activities.
French Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont stated that Iran's nuclear program poses a threat to international security and stability, insisting that Iran must adhere to its international obligations regarding its nuclear activities. Conversely, Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzia asserted that Russia would oppose any attempts to reimpose sanctions on Iran, defending previous resolutions aimed at lifting such penalties. He criticized what he termed a distortion of facts concerning Iran's nuclear program.
Chinese representative Fu Tsung called for an end to the ongoing conflict, stressing that instability in the Middle East affects people worldwide and advocating for a return to the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran. He urged the U.S. to halt its military posturing and return to diplomatic negotiations with Iran.
Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President JD Vance highlighted that the United States possesses several options in its approach to Iran, particularly emphasizing economic pressure. He noted that any agreement would only come to fruition if President Trump desires it. In a Fox News interview, Vance reflected on his extensive interactions with Iranian officials over the past six months, concluding that much of what they convey cannot be trusted, even if certain individuals within their regime appear to genuinely believe their rhetoric. He cautioned that Iran aims to dominate the global energy market by exporting its oil and gas, while limiting the ability of other nations to do so, yet stated that the U.S. has managed to turn this equation upside down.
As reported by alkhaleej.ae.
