Description: Satellite imagery from the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), showed that Iran has started to rapidly fortify its nuclear sites under alleged fears of direct US or Israel strikes. IAEA Director General, Raphael Grossi, has stated that inspectors were repeatedly denied access to the newly fortified tunnels which were complementary to the Natanz plant, the centerpiece of Iran’s nuclear program. According to ISIS’s President, David Albright, the provided satellite imagery showcased the sites to be located even deeper underground with fortified protection bunkers and bolstered perimeter security. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Special envoy Steve Witkoff are set to continue the negotiations on Saturday in Oman, where Iran’s fortification would most certainly be brought up.
Impact: Reports from the previous two meetings between the US and Iranian officials, even though scarce in details, have signaled positively cautious outcome. The recent military buildup in the region, primarily the US enhancement of military forces in the Diego Garcia naval and airbase along with Iran’s fortification of its nuclear facilities paint a different picture. The moves from both the US and Iran could be considered as solidifying reassurances that all and any efforts should be invested in the negotiations, however, the situation outlines a dire outcome. Iran is also under severe pressure and scrutiny from Israel, which has repeatedly vowed that any result from the US – Iran negotiations should initially include the complete scrapping of Iran’s nuclear program. The third meeting on Saturday would showcase pointers on the state of the negotiations as both countries continue to elevate their military posturing.