Report: Iran advancing nuclear program through Vienna front groups

The Iranian regime is seeking to advance its nuclear capabilities using a network of front companies partially based in Vienna, Austria, according to a new report from Iran International.

Iran is running a network that is “using front companies to supply sensitive technology to the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program.”

The report states that the network, “is run on behalf of the Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND),” which “the United States calls a successor to Iran’s alleged pre-2004 nuclear weapons program.”

An anonymous source told Iran International, “This network purchases dual-use and military-grade equipment, including neutronics and other sensitive components, on behalf of SPND.”

The report indicates that the “network’s overseas hub is Vienna,” while its operations within Iran are “anchored by companies operating under the Isatis name.”

While “Isatis presents itself online as a holding company with multiple subsidiaries in steel, cement and industrial equipment,” the report notes that two figures within the Isatis Danish Tolid Tajhiz company are involved with SPND.

The Vienna-based branch of the operation runs through Better Way GmbH, which is managed by the son of Isatis co-founder Saeed Kharazmi. Two other companies registered to the same address as Better Way are run by Iranian nationals, the report stated.

The Iran International report follows a series of attacks by Israel and the United States targeting key nuclear sites and senior Iranian scientists and military officials.

Iran recently entered into negotiations with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) concerning the future of its nuclear program, with a senior official from the IAEA visiting Iran on Monday.

After the meeting, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi condemned the IAEA’s response to the attacks by Israel and the U.S.

“The Islamic Republic expressed its objection to the failure of the agency to fulfill its responsibilities regarding the Israeli and US attack and raised its demands for correcting the agency’s improper processes,” he said regarding the meeting.

Following the attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites, IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi criticized the strikes.

“This development is deeply concerning,” he said. “I have repeatedly stated that nuclear facilities must never be attacked, regardless of the context or circumstances, as it could harm both people and the environment.”

Despite this, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian enacted a law that suspended Iran’s official cooperation with the IAEA.

“This suspension will remain in effect until certain conditions are met, including the guaranteed security of nuclear facilities and scientists,” the law states.

This article originally appeared on ALL ARAB NEWS and is reposted with permission.