Blast at Iran’s Natanz but no sabotage says Govt

Tehran: A loud explosion was heard near Iran’s main nuclear facilities in Natanz, which have previously been targeted by sabotage attacks, but state media said it was part of a controlled test. A major explosion and flash of light in the sky were reported on Saturday in Badroud, 20 km from where the enrichment facilities are located. Early reports speculated a surface- to-air missile defence system targeted a hostile object, most likely a drone.

Meanwhile, Israeli Mossad chief David Barnea was due to travel Sunday to Washington to discuss Iran with senior Biden administration officials. The trip comes days after the halt of renewed negotiations to restore the 2015 accord limiting Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, with the United States saying the Iranians did not appear serious about reaching an agreement. The spy chief will stress that if an agreement with Iran is ultimately reached, Israel will not be bound by it.-(Agencies)