Non-Subscriber ExtractHard stance fails to soften Iran's nuclear aim |
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01 December 2009
The GeoEye-1 satellite imaged Iran's suspected centrifuge facility at Qom on 6 October 2009. Activity at the site has increased in the wake of global exposure; concrete production appears to have surged and there are more construction and personnel vehicles evident around the facility. This activity could indicate preparations for the IAEA inspections that began on 25 October 2009, the natural progression of construction at the facility, or a projection of power to overhead observers. (GeoEye)
On 30 November, Iran reacted to an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) resolution by claiming it plans to build a further 10 uranium enrichment sites. Tehran's statement follows a resolution passed by the IAEA on 27 November condemning Iran for not disclosing the existence of a uranium enrichment facility near Qom.
Addressing members on 26 November, the day before the censure vote, Mohamed ElBaradei, the head of the IAEA, said: "It is over a year since the agency was last able to engage Iran about outstanding issues. We have reached a dead end, unless Iran engages with us."
Satellite imagery obtained by Jane's revealed ongoing activity at the Qom site in early October ahead of the IAEA inspection. Imagery from GeoEye's GeoEye-1 satellite dated 6 October reveals the presence of numerous construction vehicles at the site, indicating Iranian intentions to continue development of the facility. Tehran wants the site to be fully operational by 2011.