UN Confirms: Iran’s Nuclear Sites Too Deep for Airstrikes — “Buried Half a Mile Underground”

The United Nations’ nuclear chief, Rafael Grossi, has sounded a strong alarm about Iran’s deeply buried nuclear facilities, saying they are now located “half a mile underground”, making them nearly impossible to destroy via conventional airstrikes.

Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), revealed in an interview with the Financial Times that he has personally visited some of these secretive sites, which are buried beneath layers of rock and concrete and can only be accessed through long, spiral tunnels.

“These are facilities you can’t bomb your way into anymore. They are incredibly deep and highly secure,” Grossi explained.

Escalating Tensions as Nuclear Talks Stall

Grossi’s comments come at a time when diplomatic negotiations between Iran and Western powers remain stalled, raising fears of a possible military confrontation.

“If there is a failure in negotiation, this will imply most probably military action. The Iranian thing has incredible potential to become catastrophic,” he warned.

Recent satellite imagery has also shown new tunnel complexes and heightened security measures around Iran’s Natanz nuclear site, raising fresh concerns about undisclosed enrichment activity.

IAEA Shut Out, Transparency Dwindles

The IAEA has officially requested access to the newly discovered tunnels, but Iranian officials reportedly told them it was “none of your business.” Tehran has also restricted the number of inspectors allowed into sensitive areas, severely limiting the UN’s ability to verify Iran’s claims that its nuclear program is purely for peaceful purposes.

This lack of cooperation has only deepened suspicions among the United States and its allies, who fear Iran could be inching closer to acquiring a nuclear weapon by hiding highly enriched uranium or advanced centrifuges deep underground.

Global Stakes High, Dialogue Urged

Grossi stressed the urgency of renewed dialogue and warned of a worst-case scenario where miscommunication or failed diplomacy leads to open conflict in the Middle East.

As Iran and the U.S. continue technical-level backchannel talks, world powers are watching closely. With nuclear capabilities being hidden deeper than ever before, experts say diplomacy may be the only way to prevent an irreversible crisis.