Iran has reportedly mined and deliberately collapsed several tunnels leading to its enriched uranium storage facility at the Isfahan nuclear site in recent weeks, according to a new report based on sources familiar with US intelligence.
According to CNN, citing five sources with intelligence information, Iranian authorities planted explosives at tunnel entrances and blocked several access routes to the nuclear material storage facility located near the city of Isfahan, south of the capital Tehran.
The sources indicated that this move could be aimed at preventing US forces from accessing or seizing the enriched uranium stored at the site.
The report emerged as US media had previously reported that President Trump had considered deploying forces to take control of Iran's nuclear material in late March this year. However, this plan was ultimately not carried out.
According to estimates by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), approximately 440 pounds of 60% enriched uranium are currently being held in the tunnel system in Isfahan.
The IAEA stated that this amount of material accounts for more than half of Iran's total stockpile of highly enriched uranium. While 60% enrichment is still below weapons-grade threshold, it is considered technically very close.
The report also indicated that Iran has deliberately sealed some tunnels in recent weeks, making access and verification of the nuclear material more difficult.
This information comes as the US and Iran are reportedly nearing the signing of a new agreement aimed at de-escalating tensions and resolving disputes related to Tehran's nuclear program.
According to sources cited by CNN, the agreement is expected to require Iran to hand over its enriched uranium for destruction or transfer out of the country under international supervision.
Experts warn that mining and blocking tunnels could complicate the verification process as well as the future handling of nuclear material.
Scott Roecker, former head of the Office of Material Removal at the US National Nuclear Security Administration, believes that international inspectors may face difficulties in determining whether all of the uranium has been handed over.
Iran has not yet issued an official comment on the report.
