Iran (IMNA) - Araghchi made the statement on his X account Friday, following reports from experts analyzing satellite imagery that revealed significant new building activity at the Shimon Peres Negev Nuclear Research Center near Dimona. The site, central to Israel's nuclear weapons program, is believed to be undergoing construction for either a new reactor or a facility to assemble nuclear arms.
The Iranian diplomat reiterated Tehran’s position that what Western powers describe as "hysteria" over nuclear proliferation in West Asia is “all fluff.” He accused the West of focusing not on the expansion of atomic weapon arsenals but on controlling which countries can advance scientifically, even in peaceful nuclear programs.
Araghchi further criticized the "deafening Western silence" regarding Israel’s nuclear arsenal, calling Israel the region’s "genocidal ally." He said this silence undermines any credibility the U.S. and European troika have in speaking about non-proliferation.
Satellite images taken by Planet Labs PBC on July 5 show intensified construction, with thick concrete retaining walls and cranes present. Israel is widely believed to use a heavy water reactor at Dimona to produce plutonium and tritium for nuclear weapons.
Neither Israel nor the United States has commented on the construction, adhering to Israel’s policy of “neither confirming nor denying” its nuclear capabilities.
This construction development comes months after Israel launched what Iran calls an unprovoked attack on June 13, targeting Iranian military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. The U.S. subsequently bombed three Iranian nuclear sites, actions criticized by Iran as violations of the United Nations Charter, international law, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Israel is estimated to possess between 200 and 400 nuclear warheads and remains the only country in West Asia with such nuclear capabilities. It has refused to join the NPT or allow international inspections of its facilities, maintaining strong diplomatic support from the United States.
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