Bomb-proof tunnel fuels concerns over Iran’s nuclear plans

IRAN is building a massive underground complex that is resistant to bunker-busting bombs and cyberattacks, according to US media reports, marking another escalation of its nuclear programme.

The sprawling network of tunnels is being built near the Natanz nuclear site, where suspected Israeli strikes have occurred over the past three years. Israel says the nuclear scheme is about to complete work on a nuclear weapon and regards it as an “existential threat”.

According to The New York Times, the tunnels are being built as deep as possible “so they can withstand bunkerbusting bombs and cyber attacks”.

The report said it was not clear how great a role the tunnel network would play in Iran’s nuclear activities and alleged efforts to develop a bomb.

Iran denies working on a nuclear weapon and says the project is peaceful.

Following a series of mysterious explosions at Iranian nuclear facilities, Tehran appears to be moving some of its activity underground to reduce the risk of attacks from hostile powers.

Joe Biden, the US president, is said to be confident that the tunnels could be destroyed by force if it were necessary and that they are several years away from completion.