CNN reports that Iran has implemented field measures to secure its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, which include closing some tunnels leading to storage sites and planting explosive mines around entrances.
According to the report, these actions are in response to Iranian concerns over a potential U.S. operation aimed at seizing or removing nuclear materials from the country.
The network noted that the collapse of tunnels surrounding some sites, coupled with mines planted at entrances, have made access to the uranium stockpile more complicated and hazardous, potentially posing additional challenges to any future arrangements regarding the removal or destruction of these materials.
This development comes amid ongoing negotiations for a memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran, which includes addressing the enriched uranium issue as one of the major unresolved topics in nuclear talks.
According to the report, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has shown a willingness to consider the option of reducing uranium enrichment levels within Iran under the supervision of the United Nations as part of a broader settlement of the nuclear dossier.