In a recent address, U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his firm position against Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, stating emphatically that Tehran "will never" possess such capabilities. During a speech commemorating the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, he labeled Iran as the "top sponsor of terrorism worldwide," underscoring the ongoing commitment of the United States to combat terrorism.
Trump's statements came in the wake of a report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which noted construction activities and developments at the Iranian site known as "Mount Faz". This facility is located approximately 220 kilometers south of Tehran, near the main uranium enrichment site at Natanz, and is believed to be heavily fortified and possibly linked to nuclear activities. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi shared insights during an interview with Bloomberg, explaining that agency inspectors have not yet been able to access the underground tunnel complex at the site. However, satellite imagery has indicated signs of movement and new operations underway.
Grossi also mentioned that the agency observed "some indicators of activity around the construction site," but cautioned that there is no confirmed information regarding the nature of these ongoing activities. His comments followed a significant development where the IAEA's Board of Governors referred the Iranian nuclear issue to the United Nations Security Council for the first time in nearly two decades, due to Tehran's lack of cooperation with a probe into uranium traces discovered at undeclared locations.
Last week, Trump had publicly referenced the activity at Mount Faz, warning Iran against what he described as troubling developments. During a Republican rally, he indicated that there was "minimal activity" at the site and advised Iran to “not mess around,” cautioning that the United States would "have to hit them very hard" if they continued their operations. It is believed that the construction at this fortified site commenced following a sabotage attack on an Iranian facility that produced centrifuges approximately six years ago. At that time, Iranian authorities expressed their intention to relocate some of their activities to underground tunnels and mountains to shield them from potential attacks.
As reported by alayam.com.
