Google releases satellite images of Iranian facilities which UN says may be used to develop nuclear weapons

International Atomic Energy Agency expresses 'serious concerns' about Iran

Agency denied access to Iranian facilities

Report claims Iran could be developing intermediate-range warhead capable of reaching Israel

These are the satellite images being used by the UN to claim that facilities at two Iranian cities may be used to develop nuclear weapons.



Satellite images of Arak and Natanz show changes to the facilities in the areas when compared with images taken in October 2010.



The overhead pictures were released by Google following a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) which expressed 'serious concerns regarding possible military dimensions to Iran's nuclear programme'.



2010: A satellite image shows the facility in Natanz, Iran, described as the country's 'biggest nuclear facility'



A year on: Sections of road appear to have have been developed or removed and other landscape changes are noticeable in the satellite image taken last month The IAEA report released earlier this week states that while some activities in Iran have civilian as well as military applications, others are 'specific to nuclear weapons'.

There were indications in the dossier that the country had conducted detonator development, as well as high explosives testing and electronic modelling of a nuclear warhead core.

The IAEA report, which ‘completely discredits’ the Islamic nation’s protestations of innocence, according to Foreign Secretary William Hague, cites preparatory work for a nuclear weapons test.



Development of an intermediate-range nuclear payload capable of reaching Israel is also in progress, according to the report.



2010: Satellite images of the facility in Arak, home to a heavy water production plant, taken a year ago



A year on: Buildings and plant at the top left and bottom left appear to have been removed in this year's image of Arak, while there has been new building in the centre of the plant Natanz, which features a Fuel Enrichment Plant and Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant at its site, has been described as 'the facility at the heart of Iran's dispute with the UN'.

KEY FINDINGS IN UN REPORT ON IRANIAN NUCLEAR PROGRAMME

In its latest report on Iran, the UN International Atomic Energy Agency outlines the sum of its knowledge on the Islamic republic's alleged secret nuclear weapons work, including:

Clandestine procurement of equipment and design information needed to make such arms;

High explosives testing and detonator development to set off a nuclear charge;

Computer modelling of a core of a nuclear warhead;

Preparatory work for a nuclear weapons test, and

Developing and mounting a nuclear payload onto its Shahab 3 intermediate range missile - a weapon that can reach Israel, Iran's arch foe.

It is also thought to be the largest nuclear facility in Iran, and has anti-aircraft weapons to defend itself from potential airstrikes.



The town of Arak is home to a heavy-water production plant, which can be used to generate nuclear power.



The IAEA report stated that the agency requested further access to the plant in August, but did not receive a response from Iran.



Instead it has chosen to monitor the facilities from the air via satellite imagery.



It was revealed earlier this week that Israel could launch military action against Iran before Christmas, in a bid to prevent the country from developing a nuclear weapon.



Sources say the understanding at the top of the British Government is that Israel will attempt to strike against the nuclear sites ‘sooner rather than later’ – with logistical support from the U.S.

A senior Foreign Office figure has revealed that ministers have been told to expect Israeli military action, adding: ‘We’re expecting something as early as Christmas, or very early in the new year.’



Officials believe President Barack Obama would have to support the Israelis or risk losing vital Jewish-American support in the next presidential election.



In recent weeks, Ministry of Defence sources confirmed that contingency plans have been drawn up in the event that the UK decided to support military action.