Iran seals off uranium stockpile with collapsed tunnels and explosive mines

Access would now require extensive excavation and de-mining operations, even for Iranian authorities.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Iran has reinforced and sealed off key underground nuclear sites containing its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, complicating efforts to access the material as diplomatic discussions continue over its future.

According to reports, Tehran deliberately collapsed tunnels and placed explosive mines at entrances to underground facilities holding roughly half a ton of near weapons-grade uranium.

The measures were reportedly taken amid concerns that the United States could attempt to seize the material.

Most of the stockpile, estimated at between 400 kilograms and 500 kilograms, is believed to be located at the Isfahan Nuclear Complex.

The uranium is reportedly buried within heavily damaged underground tunnels, while additional quantities are stored at other locations.

The fortifications have significantly increased the difficulty of reaching the material.

Reports indicate that access would now require extensive excavation and de-mining operations, even for Iranian authorities.

The development comes as Washington pursues an interim agreement with Tehran that would establish a framework for addressing Iran’s nuclear activities.

One reported objective of the proposed arrangement is the eventual transfer and destruction of Iran’s highly enriched uranium outside the country.

Sources cited in reports said recovering the material has become substantially more difficult, dangerous and time-consuming than it was a month ago, when President Donald Trump publicly suggested the United States could order military action to seize the stockpile.

In a Truth Social post on Saturday, Trump indicated that the uranium would not be removed immediately under the current phase of the agreement. He also stated that Iran would not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon and asserted that Tehran was no longer pursuing one.

“At the appropriate time, when all is calm, we will go in and get the Nuclear Dust, buried deep under the powerful sunken granite mountains,” Trump wrote.

In addition to Isfahan, satellite imagery analyzed by the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) reportedly shows Iran strengthening tunnel entrances and constructing protective roof coverings at an underground complex at Pickaxe Mountain, also known as Kolang Gaz La.

The site is associated with centrifuge operations and uranium enrichment activities.