IAEA Confirms Construction Activity at Suspect Iranian Nuclear Site

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed on Thursday that construction activity has been observed at "Mount Makou" in Iran, a site suspected of being involved in the country's nuclear program. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi told Bloomberg that while agency inspectors have not yet visited the site, satellite imagery indicates renewed activity. The location is situated south of Iran's main uranium enrichment facility.

"There are signs indicating movement around this construction site," Grossi stated, adding, "but we do not have concrete information regarding the activities that may actually be taking place there." These remarks follow the IAEA Board of Governors' referral of Iran's nuclear file to the UN Security Council due to non-compliance with demands.

Inspectors have not verified the status or location of enriched uranium stockpiles since June of the previous year, following alleged attacks by Israel and the United States on Iranian nuclear facilities. Activity at "Mount Makou," located in the Zagros Mountains approximately 220 kilometers south of Tehran, reportedly began after sabotage was discovered at centrifuges about six years ago. Grossi explained that Iran had stated its intention to move operations into tunnels within the mountain to protect them from attacks.

Israel and the United States are demanding that Iran dismantle its centrifuge program and cease uranium enrichment entirely. U.S. President Donald Trump recently commented on the site, warning Iran against "playing with fire" and threatening a strong response. Conversely, Iran has cautioned Western nations against weaponizing the IAEA and recalled an incident in June 2025, where an attack occurred a day after the agency determined Tehran was not meeting its commitments. Iran's representative to the IAEA wrote that the "aggression by Israel and the US hours after the decision constitutes solid proof of the hidden intentions of its initiators."