File image.
Late on December 4, a loud explosion was heard near the Natanz uranium enrichment plant in the central Iranian province of Isfahan.
Iranian media said the explosion was caused by an air defense missile that had been fired from a base in Badroud, located 20 kilometers to the northeast of Natanz, as part of a drill to test a quick response a possible attack.
“Such exercises are carried out in a completely secure environment … and there is no cause for concern,” Iranian military spokesman Shahin Taqikhani told the state-run TV.
The air defense test comes as talks between Iran and world powers continue in Vienna in an attempt to return to the nuclear deal of 2015, official known as the JCPOA [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action].
The Natanz uranium enrichment plant, a key component of Iran’s nuclear program, has been targeted by sabotage attacks at least twice in the past two years.
On April 11, a sabotage act allegedly prepared by the Israeli intelligence targeted Iran’s Natanz fuel enrichment plant. Iran responded by launching a plan to enhance uranium up to 60%. The first batch of 60% enriched uranium was produced on April 17.
