CNN Claims Iran Has Sealed Underground Nuclear Sites and Mined Access Routes

Iran has reportedly taken extraordinary measures to secure its stockpile of highly enriched uranium by sealing underground nuclear facilities and placing landmines along access routes, according to a report by CNN.

Citing sources familiar with U.S. intelligence assessments, the report states that Iran has strengthened the protection of its nuclear material in recent weeks. The measures allegedly include collapsing underground tunnels and mining entry points to prevent unauthorized access.

According to the sources, gaining access to nearly half a ton of highly enriched uranium has become significantly more difficult, dangerous, and time-consuming than before.

The report further claims that international estimates suggest a large portion of the uranium stockpile is located within collapsed tunnels at the nuclear facility in Isfahan Nuclear Facility in central Iran, while some of the material is believed to be stored at other undisclosed locations.

CNN also reported that the U.S. military was prepared in mid-May for a potential operation aimed at securing the nuclear material. However, the plan was reportedly postponed after being deemed extremely risky.

Sources cited in the report claim that since then, Iran has taken additional steps to fortify and secure the sites, making any future operation to access the material even more challenging.