Iran Expands Parchin Military Complex

The expansion of the Parchin facility, according to a photo published by Intel Lab.
The expansion of the Parchin facility, according to a photo published by Intel Lab.
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Iran Expands Parchin Military Complex

The expansion of the Parchin facility, according to a photo published by Intel Lab.
The expansion of the Parchin facility, according to a photo published by Intel Lab.

Satellite images show that four new buildings have gone up at Iran’s Parchin military complex, where explosives experiments related to nuclear weapons were conducted in the early 2000s.

The structures are surrounded by steep walls made of compacted earth to deflect explosions, intelligence consultancy group The Intel Lab said.

This comes after the completion of the nearby extension in November 2020, comprising a dozen new buildings surrounded by High and Thick concrete blast walls.

This extensive construction activity since 2018 is probably related to the Iran Ballistic Missile Program. However, it cannot be ruled out that part of it could contribute to other activities restricted or monitored by the nuclear deal, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

After signing the deal in July 2015, Iran allowed International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Yukiya Amano to visit Natanz nuclear facility.

Iranian experts also took samples from the facility and handed them to the IAEA.

Then, the Agency prepared a report aiming at providing a clear image on whether or not the nuclear deal has a military prospect.



EUROPE GAS-Prices Rise on Lower Wind Speed, Russian Gas Uncertainty

Model of natural gas pipeline and Gazprom logo, July 18, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
Model of natural gas pipeline and Gazprom logo, July 18, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
TT

EUROPE GAS-Prices Rise on Lower Wind Speed, Russian Gas Uncertainty

Model of natural gas pipeline and Gazprom logo, July 18, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
Model of natural gas pipeline and Gazprom logo, July 18, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

Dutch and British wholesale gas prices rose slightly early on Monday, as they traded in a narrow range, caught between low wind speed and uncertainty over Russian gas flows to Europe when the Ukraine gas transit deal expires at the year-end.

The benchmark front-month contract at the Dutch TTF hub edged up by 0.84 euro to 44.65 euros per megawatt hour (MWh), or $14.3/mmBtu, by 1016 GMT, while the day ahead contract was up 1.08 euro at 44.38 euros/MWh.

In Britain, the day-ahead contract was 2.25 pence higher at 110.25 p per therm.

"The spot and the curve (prices) are still supported by the prospect of a non-renewal of the Russia-Ukraine gas transit deal," analysts at Engie's EnergyScan said in a daily note, according to Reuters.

The situation with European countries that buy Russian gas is very complicated and requires increased attention, the Kremlin said on Monday, after talks between President Vladimir Putin and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

Fico said on Sunday that Putin had confirmed Russian willingness to continue to supply gas to Slovakia, even though the Slovak leader said this was "practically impossible" once a gas transit agreement between Russia and Ukraine expires.

Russia's Gazprom said it would send 42.1 million cubic metres of gas to Europe via Ukraine on Monday, a volume in line with recent days.

Meanwhile, wind generation will drop sharply today in France and Germany and the confidence for high wind output is reduced, supporting gas for power demand, EnergyScan analysts said.

In Britain, peak wind generation is forecast at 19.1 gigawatts (GW) on Monday, falling to 15.6 GW on Tuesday, Elexon data shows.

In the European carbon market, the benchmark contract was up 0.22 euro at 67.91 euros a metric ton.