Iran’s Nuclear Facilities Under Repair Amid U.S. Talks

A significant Iranian opposition figure has stated that even while negotiations with the Trump administration are ongoing, Iran is focused on rebuilding its nuclear facilities that were damaged in past U.S. strikes, effectively “preparing for war.” Alireza Jafarzadeh, who serves as the Deputy Director for the Washington Office of the Iranian National Council of Resistance (NCRI), mentioned that newly released satellite images indicate that Iran is rapidly restoring its uranium enrichment capacity, estimated to cost around “$2 trillion.”

“Clearly, the administration is intensifying efforts to rebuild its uranium enrichment capacity,” Jafarzadeh remarked. “We are preparing for a potential conflict by maintaining the nuclear weapons program and ensuring its security.”

Jafarzadeh expressed concern that the Iranian regime’s rebuilding activities, which are happening simultaneously with nuclear talks with the U.S., are especially alarming. Satellite images from Earth Intelligence Monitor suggest reconstruction is active at the Isfahan complex, one of three uranium enrichment facilities that were targeted by U.S. military operations known as “Midnight Hammer.”

This operation occurred on June 22, involving coordinated attacks by the Air Force and Navy on facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Despite the damage, reports indicate that Iran has filled in the entrances to the tunnel complex at these sites, which is rather revealing.

“Rebuilding at Isfahan involves restoring the centrifuge program and related uranium enrichment activities,” Jafarzadeh said. This announcement comes after Iran participated in talks in Geneva with the United States aimed at curtailing its nuclear program in exchange for relief from sanctions.

On Thursday, President Trump cautioned that “bad things” could occur if Iran fails to reach an agreement. Jafarzadeh characterized the talks as a mere tactical delay, asserting that the real goal is, perhaps, to buy time.

“Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei agreed to engage in talks because it provides his regime with critical time to sidestep or lessen the fallout from a confrontation with the West,” he noted. He claims the regime is investing a staggering “$2 trillion” into nuclear development—more than all oil revenue generated in Iran since the regime came to power in 1979.

Jafarzadeh emphasizes that the Iranian government aims to reclaim and quickly rebuild its nuclear weapons program, viewing it as vital for the regime’s survival. He pointed out that the regime’s insistence on keeping its uranium enrichment capabilities during negotiations signals Khamenei’s commitment to his nuclear objectives.

He further highlighted the National Council of Resistance of Iran’s successes in uncovering numerous nuclear facilities, including Natanz, Arak, and Fordow, alongside over 100 other projects.