Iran is reportedly working to rebuild nuclear sites damaged by U.S. strikes, even as it engages in talks with the Trump administration, according to an Iranian opposition figure.
Iran is actively working to restore nuclear sites that were damaged during U.S. military operations, despite ongoing negotiations with the Trump administration, according to a prominent Iranian opposition figure. Alireza Jafarzadeh, deputy director of the Washington office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), claims that new satellite images indicate the regime is accelerating efforts to rebuild its uranium enrichment capabilities, which he estimates to be worth approximately $2 trillion.
“The regime has clearly stepped up efforts to rebuild its uranium enrichment capabilities,” Jafarzadeh told Fox News Digital. “It is preparing itself for a possible war by trying to preserve its nuclear weapons program and ensure its protection.”
Jafarzadeh’s comments come as Iran participates in nuclear talks with the United States in Geneva. He expressed concern that the ongoing reconstruction of Iran’s uranium enrichment capabilities is particularly alarming given the current diplomatic efforts. “That said, the ongoing rebuilding of Iran’s uranium enrichment capabilities is particularly alarming as the regime is now engaged in nuclear talks with the United States,” he added.
Recent satellite images released by Earth intelligence monitor Planet Labs reveal that reconstruction activities are underway at the Isfahan complex, one of three Iranian uranium enrichment plants targeted in the U.S. military operation known as “Midnight Hammer.” This operation, which took place on June 22, involved coordinated Air Force and Navy strikes on the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan facilities.
Despite the damage inflicted by these strikes, the satellite imagery shows that Iran has buried entrances to a tunnel complex at the Isfahan site. Similar actions have reportedly been taken at the Natanz facility, which houses two additional enrichment plants. “These efforts in Isfahan involve rebuilding its centrifuge program and other activities related to uranium enrichment,” Jafarzadeh stated.
The renewed activity at these sites coincides with Iran’s participation in negotiations with the U.S. in Geneva. On Thursday, President Donald Trump warned that “bad things” would happen if Iran did not agree to a deal. While the discussions aim to curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, Jafarzadeh argues that for the regime, these talks are merely a tactical delay.
“Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei agreed to the nuclear talks as it would give the regime crucial time to avoid or limit the consequences of confrontation with the West,” he explained. Jafarzadeh also highlighted that the regime has spent at least “$2 trillion” on its nuclear capabilities, a figure he claims exceeds the total oil revenue generated since the regime took power in Iran in 1979.
“Tehran is trying to salvage whatever has remained of its nuclear weapons program and quickly rebuild it,” he said. “It has heavily invested in the nuclear weapons program as a key tool for the survival of the regime.”
Jafarzadeh is well-known for publicly revealing the existence of Iran’s Natanz nuclear site in 2002, which led to inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency and heightened global scrutiny of Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. He emphasized that the Iranian regime’s insistence on maintaining its uranium enrichment capabilities during the nuclear talks, while simultaneously rebuilding its damaged sites, is a clear indication that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has no intention of abandoning its nuclear weapons program.
The National Council of Resistance of Iran, led by Maryam Rajavi, was the first to expose the nuclear sites in Natanz, Arak, Fordow, and over 100 other sites and projects, despite a significant crackdown by the regime on this movement, according to Jafarzadeh.
As the situation continues to develop, the international community remains watchful of Iran’s actions and the implications for regional stability and nuclear proliferation.
According to Fox News, the ongoing negotiations and Iran’s nuclear ambitions will be closely monitored in the coming weeks.