Satellite images show work near Iran nuclear site

By Carol Giacomo, Diplomatic Correspondent

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Commercial satellite imagery shows Iran is building a new tunnel facility inside a mountain near a key nuclear complex -- a possible attempt to protect parts of its uranium enrichment program from aerial attack, nuclear analysts said on Monday.

The pictures taken on June 11 were obtained from DigitalGlobe, a commercial satellite imagery firm, by the Institute for Science and International Security, whose president is David Albright, a physicist and former U.N. weapons inspector in Iraq.

"The construction activity is taking place in the closest mountainous area to the Natanz site, strongly suggesting that the site is affiliated with Natanz," Albright and colleague Paul Brannen said in a written analysis.

Natanz, in central Iran, is where Tehran is enriching uranium in defiance of U.N. Security Council demands and limited sanctions.

Albright told Reuters that Iran probably would use the tunnel facility for storage -- of low enriched uranium or centrifuge manufacturing equipment -- rather than for housing an operational program.

Relocating thousands of centrifuges, the rotating cylinders that are interconnected in cascades to enrich uranium, is unlikely because it would be difficult and costly, he said.

Enrichment is key to producing fuel for both nuclear weapons, which major powers say is Iran's goal, and nuclear energy, which Tehran insists is its objective.

The researchers said the construction is new and was not evident in January images taken by DigitalGlobe.

NEW CONFRONTATION?

Tunnel entrances are not visible in the satellite photos, but two roads under construction can be seen, with one appearing to lead into a tunnel facility, the analysis said.

It said Iran had earlier built a tunnel complex near the Esfahan uranium conversion facility to protect nuclear-related equipment and materials and natural uranium hexaflouride.

"Iran may be constructing a similar facility near Natanz, fearing that the underground halls at Natanz are vulnerable to destruction by military attack," they said.

Albright said the site could also be for direct defense of Natanz, housing anti-aircraft batteries or command and control equipment.

U.S. officials insist they remain committed to a diplomatic solution to the nuclear dispute with Iran, but that all options, including a military response, are open.

State Department spokesman Sean McCormack refused to comment on the tunnel report, saying he would not discuss intelligence matters.