Israel warns Saudi-US nuclear deal raises stakes as Iran expands nuclear programme

Israel Hayom has published an analysis article titled “Saudi nuclear reactor deal poses existential threat to Israel”, following the signing of a nuclear cooperation agreement between Saudi Arabia and the United States.

The newspaper said that, while global attention has focused on the wider implications of the agreement, Israel remains primarily concerned with the Iranian nuclear programme.

It noted that The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing Israeli sources, that Iran has begun moving centrifuges to an underground facility built into Pickaxe Mountain – known in Iran as Kuh-e Kolang Gaz LA, near Natanz.

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According to the report, the site is heavily reinforced with concrete and is considered significantly more secure than Iran’s other nuclear facilities.

The newspaper said assessments indicate that Iran has not yet started operating the facility. However, concerns remain that it could eventually be used to advance the country’s nuclear capabilities.

It added that the apparent aim of highlighting the development is to draw attention to what it described as Iran’s continued violations in the nuclear field and to encourage the US administration to take action against Tehran.

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