IAEA Confirms Ongoing Activities at Iran's Mount Fars Site
In a significant development, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has officially acknowledged the presence of activities at Iran's Mount Fars site. This revelation was made by Rafael Grossi, the IAEA's Director General, during an interview with Bloomberg Television. Grossi emphasized that the agency's inspectors have not yet gained access to the underground complex at the site, which limits their understanding of the specific nature of the activities taking place there. While he mentioned that there are some indicators suggesting movement around the construction site, concrete information regarding these activities remains elusive.
The backdrop to this situation involves heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, particularly following recent threats from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who hinted at potential military action against Mount Fars, citing observed activities in the area. This escalation comes on the heels of the IAEA's Board of Governors referring Iran's nuclear file to the United Nations Security Council, a decision that Iran has condemned as politically motivated and biased.
Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, commented on the referral, asserting that the IAEA is attempting to coerce Iran into compliance, which Tehran firmly rejects. He reiterated that Iran will not permit access to its nuclear facilities, particularly in light of the security measures implemented following attacks on these sites. The IAEA's inability to access key facilities, including Natanz, Fordow, Arak, and Qom, has been attributed to Iran's post-attack security protocols, which have been heightened since the U.S.-Israeli military engagements in the region.
This recent referral marks the first time in two decades that Iran's nuclear file has been sent to the Security Council, following a prior decision made in June of the previous year. As Iran continues to assert that its nuclear program is peaceful and not aimed at developing weapons, the situation remains tense, with both Washington and Tel Aviv accusing Tehran of maintaining nuclear and missile programs that threaten regional stability. In contrast, Iran maintains that its nuclear ambitions are solely for peaceful purposes, denying any intentions of aggression against other nations.
As reported by alaraby.com.
