Iran hides its atomic bomb factory (MAPA) here

The Nuclear Threat Initiative, a non-profit security organization, estimates that the complex itself consists of three underground facilities, two of which are designed to hold 50,000 centrifuges. Six buildings are above ground, two of which are 2,500-meter halls used for the assembly of gas centrifuges.

As of October 2022, Iran has installed 4,000 advanced centrifuges into its various uranium enrichment facilities, a 44 percent increase in just a few months, according to a report by the Institute for Science and International Security. And then, last year, satellite images indicated that Iran is digging tunnels in the mountains near the primary nuclear site of Natanz, building a new complex so deep underground that experts are concerned it would be difficult to target and destroy in airstrikes, writes the British “Telegraph”.

The Iranian regime quickly denied that the site was hit by an Israeli strike on Friday.

Location Natanz

The Natanz facility, located on Iran’s central plateau, sheltered by the Zagros Mountains to the west, it is protected by anti-aircraft batteries, fences and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.

Natanz has long raised concerns on the global stage about the progress of Iran’s nuclear program. It is believed to operate three small research reactors acquired from China, as well as fuel production and other activities related to Iran’s civilian nuclear program.

But some experts believe that Iran is hiding its efforts to build a nuclear bomb.

“Planet labs PBC” satellite images from April 2023 show Iran digging into Kuh-e Kolang Ghaz La, or “pick a mountain” as “Telegraf” writes, right behind the southern fence that surrounds the original location of Natanz.

Four entrances dug into the mountain

Four entrances were dug into the mountain, according to another set of images analyzed by the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies for AP 2023. It is not clear how far that project has gone, given the secrecy surrounding Iran’s nuclear activities, particularly as the regime restricts international inspectors’ access to its facilities.

But the size of the construction project could allow Iran to use the facility to enrich uranium as well as build centrifuges. Additional centrifuges would give Iran the ability to rapidly enrich uranium deep inside the mountain, away from prying eyes and satellites.

The expansion at Natanz may have been dug even deeper underground than at Iran’s other major nuclear uranium enrichment site, Fordow.

Fire and power outage in Natanz

Atomic Energy Organization of Iran spokesman Behruz Kamalvandi said in 2020 that a new and more advanced structure was being built at Natanz to replace the damaged by fire, according to Iranian state media. At the time, Tehran blamed Israel for the incident, which Kamalvandi said caused “significant damage” but no casualties. Iran did not reveal more details “for security reasons”.

The following year, Natanz suffered Power failure, and this attack is also believed to have been carried out by Israel, which has long been suspected of conducting sabotage operations against Iran’s nuclear program through physical and cyber attacks and even the assassination of top Iranian nuclear scientists.

Fordow location

Iran’s second major nuclear site, Fordou, is located more than 150 km north of Natanz and she was buried in a mountain near the city of Koma. Last March, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that it had discovered uranium enriched to 83.7 percent, which is very close to the 90% required for weapons.

Efforts to limit Iran from expanding its nuclear stockpile stalled after former US President Donald Trump withdrew the US from the 2018 Iran nuclear deal.

“They have enough to make three atomic weapons”

Iran is believed to have enough highly enriched nuclear fuel that could potentially be used to make three atomic weapons, although building a bomb that could deliver a more complicated undertaking, “Telegraf” states.

Some experts think it could take a year or more, although – as Iran limits what is known about its nuclear activities – it is difficult to accurately assess their capabilities.

Iran’s total stockpile of enriched uranium were 5,525.5 kilograms as of February 10, an increase of 1,038 kg compared to the previous quarter, according to the IAEA’s latest quarterly report. According to reports, Iran has an estimated 121.5 kg of uranium enriched to 60 percent, which can be further enriched to the one suitable for weapons of 90%.

Several Iranian nuclear sites are located in Isfahan. The province is also home to a large missile manufacturing complex.