US Officials Say Iran Nuclear Deal Unlikely Through Diplomacy Amid Suspected Site Rebuilds

Senior US officials have expressed skepticism about achieving a nuclear deal with Iran through diplomatic means, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal published overnight between Friday and Saturday. Despite President Donald Trump instructing his team to continue current talks with Iran in Oman, a senior American source told the newspaper that Iran is unlikely to meet the terms of the existing memorandum of understanding and would probably fail to comply with a more complex agreement.

Another official emphasized that a nuclear deal would not be possible unless Iran hands over its enriched uranium to the United States. He also noted that the US has cost-effective military options to prevent Iran from accessing uranium stored underground.

Meanwhile, satellite images released by CNN have raised concerns that Iran is rebuilding nuclear sites damaged previously, potentially violating the memorandum of understanding between the two countries. Additional images provided to the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) by the company Vantor show construction activity at the "Pickaxe Mountain" facility, including vehicle movements near western tunnel entrances, indicating ongoing underground work and tunnel fortifications. According to ISIS, these activities breach the agreement requiring Iran to maintain the status quo and refrain from construction at nuclear-related sites. The eastern tunnel entrances remain partially blocked with earth, likely to prevent rapid vehicle access or exit.