Iran Demolishes Nuclear Site Buildings Amid Suspicion of Evidence Removal

Iran has commenced a significant demolition effort at the Mojdeh site, also known as Lavisan II, which has raised concerns regarding the potential removal of evidence related to its nuclear research activities. According to the Institute for Science and International Security, satellite imagery indicates that Iran is rapidly demolishing buildings that were damaged or destroyed in recent airstrikes, likely in an attempt to sanitize the site of any incriminating material.

Details Surrounding the Demolition Efforts

The Institute for Science and International Security, an independent research group led by former UN nuclear inspector David Albright, reported that the demolitions may be part of a strategy to eliminate traces of nuclear weapons research and development. Iran’s embassy to the United Nations did not respond to requests for comment regarding these activities. Tehran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes.

The report on the Mojdeh site comes as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) engages in negotiations in Tehran to resume inspections that have been disrupted due to heightened tensions following military actions in the region. These include the June 13-24 conflict between Israel and Iran, as well as subsequent US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

In response to Iran’s nuclear activities, Britain, France, and Germany are reportedly preparing to initiate the process of re-imposing UN sanctions against Iran for breaches of the 2015 nuclear agreement, which aims to prevent the nation from developing nuclear weapons. Four diplomats confirmed this development.

IAEA’s Stance and Inspection Obligations

Rafael Grossi, the head of the IAEA, emphasized the importance of resuming inspections, stating that Iran is legally obligated to allow IAEA access to its nuclear facilities. Grossi highlighted the agency’s intent to inspect all relevant sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, to account for Iran’s stockpile of over 400 kg (approximately 882 pounds) of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade purity.

The Mojdeh site has been under scrutiny following two Israeli airstrikes on June 18, which damaged multiple buildings associated with Iran’s nuclear program. The IAEA has established connections between the site and the AMAD Plan, a nuclear weapons development initiative that US intelligence agencies concluded was terminated in 2003. The first strike impacted structures linked to the Institute of Applied Physics and a building associated with the Shahid Karimi Group, a US-sanctioned entity involved in missile and explosives development.

The second strike reportedly destroyed the Institute of Applied Physics building and caused damage to a security facility. Recent satellite images from Maxar Technologies show that by July 3, clean-up efforts were underway, and by August 19, the Applied Physics building and workshop had been completely demolished, as had the structure linked to the Shahid Karimi Group.

The rapid pace of these demolitions raises concerns that Iran is attempting to obscure any evidence of its nuclear-related activities, limiting the potential for future inspections to uncover significant information regarding its nuclear ambitions.