Iranian envoy rejects reports of increased activity at Parchin

TEHRAN, Nov. 22 (MNA) – Iran’s ambassador to the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency dismissed on Monday as “false and ridiculous” reports of increased activity at the Parchin military complex southeast of Tehran. Ambassador Ali Asghar Soltanieh made the remarks after The Associated Press released an exclusive report on Monday, quoting officials from the three IAEA member countries as saying that Satellite surveillance has shown an increase in activity at an Iranian site suspected of links to alleged secret work on nuclear weapons. According to the report, one of the officials cited intelligence from his home country, saying it appeared Tehran is trying to cover its tracks by sanitizing the Parchin site and removing any evidence of nuclear research and development. Counterparts from two other countries confirmed sightings of increased activity but said they did not have reasons to believe it was linked to such efforts.