New Activities and Security Developments at Iran's Underground Nuclear Facility
Earth and defensive elements are being added to tunnel entrances at the underground nuclear facility near Natanz, while sanctions resolutions have been vetoed in the UN Security Council.
New satellite imagery has revealed that Iran has added new defensive measures and earth mounds to the tunnel entrances of the deeply buried nuclear facility near its Natanz nuclear complex. The developments coincide with a period when international sanctions monitoring resolutions were vetoed.
Satellite Imagery and Tunnel Entrances
According to a report published by the Institute for Science and International Security, satellite imagery from September 11 shows that earth barricades remain in place on the roads leading to the western tunnel portals of Mount Kazma near the Natanz nuclear complex.
The report stated that additional earth has been piled over a tunnel portal in the west and onto the entrance cluster built in 2007, which increases protection against aerial bombardment.
International Diplomacy and Veto Decisions
Russia and China on Thursday vetoed a US-drafted Security Council resolution aimed at maintaining international monitoring of sanctions on Tehran. This reflected deep disagreements over the legal status of reinstated UN sanctions.
UN Investigation Report and Allegations
Additionally, a UN fact-finding mission published its report containing findings on alleged war crimes related to US strikes in Iran and crimes against humanity during the suppression of protests.