Iran Has Repeatedly Rejected Invitations for International Visits

The United States government, on Friday, once again accused Iran of having an active nuclear weapons production program, despite Iran's denials. American officials claim that the accusations against Iran are based on new satellite imagery of two locations in central Iran. The U.S. State Department states that the satellite images reinforce previous suspicions and serious concerns about the existence of a secret nuclear weapons program in Iran. The discussed satellite images, which were showcased through CNN and other news agencies, show two sites in central Iran. It is said that one of these sites is a heavy water plant for plutonium production and the other is a uranium enrichment facility. Richard Boucher, the State Department spokesman, told reporters that parts of the uranium enrichment facility are built underground, and therefore, the underground construction of parts of this facility does not align with Iran's claim that its nuclear intentions and purposes are peaceful. Mr. Boucher stated that Iran likely never intended to declare this facility as part of its peaceful nuclear program, and now Iran's actions in trying to build an underground facility, which could produce nuclear materials, are being revealed. The Iranian government denies the accusations that the discussed sites are related to a weapons program and states that it has invited United Nations inspectors to visit these sites next February. However, the U.S. State Department spokesman says that Iranian officials have repeatedly rejected invitations for international visits to this facility.