Satellite images reveal that Iran may be rebuilding its nuclear facilities. Has Tehran violated the 14-point memorandum of understanding? | Today’s news
New satellite images have revealed that Iran may be rebuilding suspected nuclear facilities, a move that appears to contradict a commitment it made in a 14-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with the US last month in which Tehran pledged not to use nuclear weapons.
CNN analyzed the latest satellite images along with the Institute for Science and International Security, suggesting the latest images raise questions about whether Tehran violated the ceasefire agreement even before US President Donald Trump signaled earlier this week that he was “over” launching new strikes against the Islamic Republic in response to its ongoing attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
What do the new satellite images show?
According to the report, the site in Iran’s Parchin is believed to store explosive material for nuclear weapons. Before the US and Israel launched a joint operation targeting Iran in late February, the Islamic Republic reportedly built a concrete shield around the facility, signifying its importance. However, the Parchin site was hit during US-Israeli bombing earlier this year and suffered damage. The latest images released in June and July show Tehran taking steps to repair and reconstruct the site. As the MOU was still in place in June, satellite images revealed that Iran had covered the impact holes with temporary covers, which were replaced by mesh in July.
Another site where Iran is believed to be developing its nuclear capabilities is Pickaxe Mountain. Images from last month, when the memorandum of understanding was signed just days before, showed vehicles entering and exiting the tunnels. Citing experts, CNN said it was likely a violation of the terms Tehran had signed with Washington.
The report also suggests that prominent nuclear sites such as Isfahan, Fordow and Natanz have not yet been affected. The Islamic Republic has also started work on some of its missile depots. In addition to its nuclear capabilities, the US and its allies have also raised concerns about Iran’s missile capacity, with the latest images suggesting Tehran has begun repairing some of those sites.
US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding
The development comes weeks after the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding in June to end hostilities and seek a broader framework agreement to permanently end the war. The memorandum of understanding, which addressed several contentious issues, including safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and US agreement to lift the naval blockade of Iranian ports, also included a commitment by Tehran not to procure or produce nuclear weapons.
The memorandum of understanding states: “The Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms that it will not procure or develop nuclear weapons. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America agree to resolve the disposal of stockpiled enriched material according to a mechanism to be mutually agreed upon in accordance with the schedule set forth in paragraph 7, with a minimum methodology to be negotiated on the ground, with both sides also agreeing to blend the two matters, under supervision IAEA, under the supervision of other mutually agreed matters related to the nuclear needs of the Islamic Republic of Iran based on a satisfactory framework agreed upon in the final agreement The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America recognize the critical importance of the above nuclear issues and express their intention to immediately address these issues in the framework of negotiations to reach a mutual agreement.
But the latest satellite images have raised new questions about whether the Islamic Republic violated the memorandum of understanding just days after it was signed.
