IAEA: Iranian gov’t not cooperating with nuclear probe

The head of the United Nations (UN) nuclear watchdog on Monday said Iran is not cooperating with its investigation to ensure that the country’s nuclear program is of an exclusively peaceful nature. It comes amidst reports that Iran may have attempted to destroy evidence.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Yukiya Amano said the Iranian government is not providing the necessary cooperation to enable the agency to provide credible assurance about the absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities in Iran. This is needed before the IAEA can conclude that all nuclear material and activities in Iran is for peaceful purposes.

…The DigitalGlobe satellite imagery from late May shows that two buildings at the same site as the suspected testing chamber have been demolished. The satellite images also show clear evidence of tracks likely made by heavy machinery during the demolition process and extensive evidence of earth displacement.

The revelations came after news of activity at the site’s suspected explosives testing chamber building in early April. Satellite images then showed unidentified items lined up outside the building and a stream of water emanating nearby. This raised allegations that Iran is attempting to cleanse the site, using the stream of water to wash the inside of the building or the items outside.

“The newest image raises concerns that Iran is attempting to raze the site prior to allowing an IAEA visit,” the think thank’s founder David Albright wrote in a report late last month. “The razing of the two buildings may also indicate that Iran has no intention to allow inspectors access soon. In 2004, Iran razed the Lavisan-Shian site, which held the Physics Research Center (PHRC), interfering with the ability of the IAEA to investigate allegations that the PHRC was involved in military nuclear activities.”

The UN can’t possible think this is unexpected.