Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said the agency has detected indications of new activity at the heavily fortified Jabal al-Fas site near Iran’s Natanz uranium enrichment facility.
Grossi said remote-sensing imagery showed activity around the construction site, while IAEA inspectors have been unable to access the underground tunnel complex beneath the location.
Heavily Fortified Site Near Natanz
Jabal al-Fas has attracted growing attention because of its deep, fortified underground structures, raising questions about the nature of the activities taking place there and their potential connection to Iran’s nuclear program.
U.S. President Donald Trump has previously hinted at the possibility of targeting the site, amid concerns over Iran’s heavily fortified nuclear facilities and activities that could be taking place underground.
Rising Tensions Between Iran and the IAEA
Grossi’s comments come as tensions between Iran and the IAEA continue to rise over inspections and monitoring of Iranian nuclear facilities.
Tehran has faced criticism over its compliance with nuclear safeguards commitments, amid allegations that it has restricted some monitoring and inspection activities.
Iran, however, maintains that its nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful purposes. The IAEA has called for sufficient access to verify the nature of Iran’s nuclear activities and facilities.
