Article content

[np_storybar title=”See the images and analysis” link=”#1″]

[/np_storybar]

Iran is developing a second path to a nuclear weapons capability by operating a plant that could produce plutonium, satellite images show for the first time.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Iran's Plan B for developing nuclear weapons uncovered in satellite photos Back to video

The Daily Telegraph [Wednesday] disclosed details of activity at a heavily-guarded Iranian facility from which international inspectors have been barred for 18 months.

The images, taken only days ago, show that Iran has activated the Arak heavy-water production plant.

[npooyala src=”I4YmRuOToFx1zJ1KeOlr2osX786sVYgm” playlist=”yes”]

Heavy water is needed to operate a nuclear reactor that can produce plutonium, which could then be used to make a bomb.

The images show signs of activity at the Arak plant, including a cloud of steam that indicates heavy-water production.

Inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency have been unable to visit the facility since August 2011 and Iran has refused repeated requests for information about the site, which is 150 miles south-west of the capital, Tehran.