While Iran and the United States are engaged in delicate negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program, a concerning development has quietly unfolded. According to a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran has secretly conducted a series of explosive tests that strongly indicate its intent to build a nuclear bomb—despite global scrutiny.
Explosive Tests Conducted Under Global Watch
Though Iran publicly maintains that its nuclear activities are solely for peaceful energy purposes, the IAEA’s findings suggest otherwise. The report reveals that Iran has performed experiments consistent with nuclear weapons development, while much of the international community, including the United States, stood by without intervening.
These experiments reportedly took place at four key nuclear sites: Marivan, Lavisan-Shian, Varamin, and Turquzabad. The activities at these locations included not only uranium enrichment but also high-explosive testing, a vital step in nuclear weapons development.
IAEA Blocked from Accessing Key Site
According to a report from the Jerusalem Post, an IAEA inspection team visited the region in August 2020. However, during their tour of the suspected test sites, they were unable to access a key underground bunker believed to be controlling the explosive tests. Shortly after the IAEA visit, Iran demolished the bunker, effectively eliminating any chance of further investigation.
The report also states that Iran is currently enriching uranium to 60% purity every month—close to weapons-grade—and now possesses enough material to potentially build up to ten nuclear bombs.
Tensions May Escalate Amid Nuclear Deal Talks
These revelations come at a critical juncture. After years of strained relations, Iran and the U.S. were reportedly nearing a new nuclear agreement. But the IAEA’s latest disclosures are likely to derail those efforts, raising tensions and mistrust between the two countries.
Moreover, the IAEA uncovered evidence that Iran had planned a “cold test” involving either natural or depleted uranium inside a nuclear core. Though such tests don’t use fissile material, they are considered a key step in weapon design simulation.
Decades of Secrecy and Testing
Iran’s pursuit of nuclear capabilities reportedly dates back over two decades. The report indicates that the country carried out two implosion tests—the kind used to trigger the core of a nuclear bomb—between February 15 and July 3, 2003. These tests form the foundation of modern nuclear weapon designs.
Despite repeated denials, it appears Iran has meticulously preserved information related to its weapons program, allowing it to continue advancing its nuclear ambitions behind closed doors.
