Iranian dissidents claim newly obtained satellite imagery reveals a previously undisclosed nuclear weapons facility in Semnan Province. The opposition group National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) identified the compound, code-named the “Rainbow Site,” as a covert operation disguised as a chemical production plant known as Diba Energy Siba.
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Iran’s alleged nuclear “Rainbow Site” spans about 2,500 acres near Ivanaki in Iran’s Semnan Province. It has reportedly been active since 2013.
The site spans about 2,500 acres and has been active for over a decade.
What is the site’s alleged nuclear purpose?
According to NCRI and sources linked to the Mojahedin-e-Khalq Organization, or MKO, the site specializes in extracting tritium, a radioactive hydrogen isotope used to enhance the explosive yield of nuclear warheads. Unlike enriched uranium, tritium has no civilian or commercial application, casting doubt on Tehran’s longstanding claims that its nuclear program is strictly for peaceful use.
The allegations also suggest the facility may be part of efforts to develop a hydrogen bomb, though no direct evidence has confirmed warhead production.
How has Iran responded to the allegations?
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi dismissed the report, calling the satellite imagery a political distraction to undermine upcoming nuclear talks.
“Like clockwork, more Very Scary Satellite Images are being circulated as Iran-U.S. indirect nuclear talks are set to resume,” Araghchi said.
Iran’s Mission to the United Nations rejected the NCRI and MKO claims as fabrications, accusing the groups of working with foreign intelligence to spread misinformation.
What is the impact on U.S.-Iran nuclear talks?
The discovery has added complexity to ongoing nuclear negotiations between the Trump administration and Tehran. The U.S. has not yet formally decided whether to allow Iran to continue low-level uranium enrichment under any renewed agreement.
However, President Donald Trump said that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons, a position echoed by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Vice President JD Vance. Talks that began in February have continued through multiple rounds, with the next session reportedly planned in Oman.
What concerns are slowing progress in the talks?
Diplomatic sources said core disagreements remain, particularly Iran’s insistence on retaining uranium enrichment capabilities and the U.S. push to include restrictions on Iran’s missile program and proxy forces. Despite some consensus on IAEA inspection access and verification steps, discussions stalled. Iranian officials have said the U.S. introduced new demands late in the process, contributing to delays and heightened tensions.
What are the implications for regional security?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Iran to dismantle its nuclear program, citing Libya’s 2003 deal to abandon its nuclear ambitions in exchange for sanctions relief and normalized ties with the West. Critics condemned the comparison, noting that rebels later overthrew and killed Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi — an outcome Iranian officials often cite as a reason to keep their nuclear capabilities.
What does the U.S. want from a deal?
Trump said he prefers a “strong, verified deal” with Iran but would consider military action if diplomacy fails. While he has publicly pushed for the complete dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear program, Witkoff and Vance have focused on securing transparency and strict limits. Speaking at the Munich Leaders Conference on May 7, Vance said the U.S. could support a civilian nuclear program in Iran, provided it completely rules out any path to weaponization.
