Iran expands its underground nuclear plant facilities

New satellite images of one of Iran's nuclear plants at Fordo, near the city of Qom and some 100 kilometres from Tehran, would show that the country is carrying out new underground construction. The photographs, obtained by the Associated Press and also collected by The New York Times, would show Iran's intention to continue with its uranium enrichment process.

The Fordo nuclear plant is underground, and although it was discovered a decade ago, the images now show the construction of new buildings in the complex. It is believed to be one of the plants with which Iran would be expanding its reserves of enriched uranium, which are estimated to exceed 10 times the limits established by the agreement. However, the figures prior to the signing of the agreement with the other nuclear powers, the JCPOA, were much higher than the current ones.

The agreement also states where Iran could develop its nuclear activity for civilian use, and Fordo would not be one of them. It is therefore worrying that the satellite photographs provided further evidence that Iran does not intend to comply with what was agreed in 2015 with the European Union as an intermediary.

This information could have consequences for the Biden Administration, even before it reaches the White House. The president-elect has stated his intention to return the United States to the nuclear deal that Trump decided to pull out of a couple of years ago, but the disclosure of these photos could affect that decision if it is considered that Iran has no intention of continuing to comply with the JCPOA.

The International Atomic Energy Agency, headed by Rafael Grossi, has stated that Biden's arrival could benefit the agreement, but that Tehran must reverse the violation of the terms it has carried out this year following several events, chiefly the death of Qassem Soleimani and that of the scientist in charge of Iran's nuclear programme, Mohsen Fajrizadeh

Iran is also reported to have carried out work at the Natanz nuclear plant, where an explosion from Teheran this summer was associated with an attempt at sabotage, but caused considerable alarm in the international community as to the possibility of a serious incident. The country is now making improvements to the plant, which, added to what was witnessed at Fordo, suggests that a strategy for developing Iran's nuclear programme may be considered.