Explosion at nuclear complex in Iran kills two workers
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Two workers are dead after a fire and explosion at a military explosives facility that’s part of Iran’s Parchin nuclear complex, reports say.
The fire occurred in an "explosive materials production unit" Sunday, the BBC reported Monday, citing the semi-official Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA).
A pro-opposition website reported a large blast near the Parchin military site, southeast of Iran’s capital Tehran, but that has not yet been confirmed.
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Parchin has been linked to Iran's controversial nuclear program. Iran has denied the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) access to the complex since 2005.
Pro-reform website Sahamnews said the explosion was so intense, it shattered windows of buildings as far as 9 miles away.
"Unfortunately, due to the incident, two workers of this production unit lost their lives," ISNA reported, quoting Iran's defense industries organization.
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There were no further details.
The IAEA said in September that more activity had been conducted at the Parchin military base. It said Iran had also missed a deadline to answer further questions about its nuclear program.
Western countries suspected Iran of trying to develop a nuclear weapon but Iranian leaders insist they only want atomic energy. Iran claims Parchin is a conventional military facility and that its nuclear program is peaceful.
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Iran is in negotiations with six world powers on a permanent agreement over its nuclear industry. Talks are focused on lifting Western sanctions in exchange for a scaling-back of Iran's uranium enrichment program. A deadline for the agreement has been set for November 24th.
Iran said a massive explosion at a military base 28 miles west of Tehran killed 17 Revolutionary Guards three years ago, including a leader of its elite force’s missile program. It said that the blast – which occurred while weapons were being moved-- was accidental, Reuters reported.