Iran Resumes Missile Production as IAEA Spots New Activity at Nuclear Site

WASHINGTON/VIENNA, Sept 10: Iran has resumed assembling ballistic missiles at underground facilities using stockpiled components, while the UN nuclear watchdog has detected new activity at a heavily fortified site suspected of being linked to nuclear-related activities, according to separate reports by the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg.

The Wall Street Journal, citing US and Middle Eastern officials familiar with the matter, reported that Iran has restarted production despite heavy attacks on missile sites and industrial facilities during the initial phase of the war.

Iran is reportedly assembling both liquid-propellant ballistic missiles, which require fueling before launch, and solid-propellant missiles that can be stored in launch-ready condition. The report said the new missiles are being assembled primarily from components already in stock and in more limited quantities.

Separately, Bloomberg reported that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has observed new construction and movement at Pickaxe Mountain, a heavily fortified site near Iran's main uranium enrichment facility.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi told Bloomberg Television that the agency has not inspected the inside of the site's underground tunnel complex. However, satellite imagery has indicated new activity at the location.

US President Donald Trump has also publicly referred to Pickaxe Mountain at least twice over the past week, Bloomberg reported.

The developments come amid continued international scrutiny of Iran's missile capabilities and nuclear-related facilities. The reports from the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg could not independently establish the full scope or purpose of the reported activities.