Non-Subscriber Extract
Iran's nuclear stand-off reaches new heights
28 September 2009
Images from DigitalGlobe's QuickBird satellite and GeoEye's GeoEye-1 satellite show Iran's previously undeclared enrichment facility. (DigitalGlobe/GeoEye)
On 21 September, Iran notified the International Atomic Energy Agency about an undeclared enrichment facility, sparking charges that Tehran continues to conceal its nuclear activities.
According to Jane's satellite imagery analysis, the facility is in a mountain approximately 30 km northeast of the city of Qom. The facility is undergoing significant excavation and construction and is surrounded by surface-to-air defence sites, military bases and a possible weapons test range.
Imaged by DigitalGlobe's QuickBird in January 2009 and GeoEye's GeoEye-1 satellite in August and September 2009, this facility will have one major entrance, several auxiliary entrances, a back exit and apparent ventilation systems when it is completed. Heavy masonry and steel reinforcements at the entrances indicate it is being constructed to withstand a potential offensive strike.
Comparative analysis indicates significant construction has occurred between January and September 2009.