Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization has defended the country’s decision to construct underground nuclear facilities, saying the move was “natural” in light of the threat of foreign military attacks.

“Although Iran’s sensitive nuclear facilities are located underground, they have always been subject to inspection and IAEA inspectors have been present there,” agency spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said, referring to the United Nations nuclear watchdog, The Caspian Post reports, citing Al Jazeera.

He added that “military attacks, sabotage and terror cannot destroy Iran’s nuclear knowledge and industry.” The agency oversees Iran’s nuclear enrichment programme.

Last week, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) accused Iran of failing to meet its nuclear nonproliferation commitments and referred the matter to the UN Security Council.

The UN nuclear watchdog has been unable to access key nuclear facilities in Iran since the United States and Israel launched a 12-day war against Iran in June 2025. The conflict included attacks on major Iranian nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.

Iranian officials have said they cannot provide IAEA inspectors with safe access to the facilities because of the ongoing conflict.