Satellite images suggest Iran may be rebuilding facilities for the development of nuclear weapons, researchers said on Friday.
Such activity has been seen in recent weeks at the military complex in Parchin, the Institute for Science and International Security, which focuses on nuclear security, reported. Iran is suspected of developing explosive devices for nuclear weapons at the site.
According to the researchers, the facility was hit several times at the start of the war on February 28. After satellite images initially showed clean-up work, there are growing indications of permanent repairs in recent weeks, they said.
These include several concrete mixers and other equipment to seal the impact holes permanently.
CNN provided the satellite images and also analysed them itself in cooperation with the institute. At Isfahan, which the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) considers the most important storage site for uranium, there is no suspicious activity, CNN reported. The same applies to Natanz and Fordo.
The three sites were bombed by the United States last year. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stressed that his administration has been monitoring the sites meticulously since then.
Activities cast doubt on framework agreement
There are also indications of repair work at other sites said to be linked to the development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, CNN reported. This includes the facility at Pickaxe Mountain, where nuclear capabilities are said to be worked on deep underground.
In recent weeks, several lorries were seen driving into the tunnels and back out again, according to CNN.
In a framework agreement with the US to end the war, Tehran committed to maintaining the “status quo” in its nuclear programme. Iran also pledged to refrain from developing nuclear weapons.