International Atomic Energy Agency: Iran Must Clarify Underground Tunnels at Natanz

The International Atomic Energy Agency has called on the Islamic Republic to clarify information about underground tunnels near the Natanz nuclear facility.

Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, while noting that he has repeatedly raised the issue of underground tunnels with Tehran and followed up on it, once again stated in Washington that the Islamic Republic must explain the purpose of the underground tunnels located near the Natanz nuclear facility. He declared: “I do not intend to speculate, but it is possible that undeclared materials may be stored in these tunnels.”

Grossi also referenced satellite imagery released by the International Science and Security Institute, which shows the existence of a newly constructed tunnel and a security fence buried underground near the old Natanz tunnel. In his remarks, he emphasized that all countries are obligated to provide the International Atomic Energy Agency with information about their nuclear-related facilities, but Iran has exempted itself from this obligation and responds to the Agency’s questions by saying: “This is none of your business.”

Rafael Grossi also said about his visit to Tehran last week: “We reached an agreement with Iranian officials to send a technical team to Iran to continue talks, including discussions about reinstalling surveillance cameras at nuclear facilities.”