New Delhi [India], June 22 : Rajiv Nayan, Head of Centre for Nuclear Issues and Arms Control at Manohar Parikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA), the autonomous think tank under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), here on Sunday said that Iran has "anticipated" US strikes on its nuclear sites as Tehran said they had "already shifted their critical assets."
Rajiv Nayan also suggested that Iran might still have the capabilities to build a nuclear weapon in Fordow, one of the three nuclear sites bombed by the US.
Speaking with ANI, he said, "Iran has anticipated this and they are saying that they have already shifted their critical assets, they still have capabilities in Fordow, and they'll resume their work. American experts and others have said that they will rebuild in two years, Iran has claimed that they will."
Rajiv Nayan said, "If Iran has removed their critical assets as they are claiming, it will be tough for the US to locate where Iran has hidden its assets." However, he added that, "US has enough technology, today or tomorrow, it will locate where Iran has kept it."
This development comes after the US, on early Sunday carried out "massive precision" strikes on Iran's three nuclear sites -Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow- and warned of further retaliation if peace is not achieved.
Rafael Grossi, the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said that an emergency meeting would take place on Monday in light of the developments taking place in West Asia.
Earlier in the day, the IAEA confirmed that there has been no reported increase in off-site radiation levels following the recent strikes on three key nuclear sites in Iran, including the underground enrichment facility at Fordow.
"Following attacks on three nuclear sites in Iran -- including Fordow -- the IAEA can confirm that no increase in off-site radiation levels has been reported as of this time. IAEA will provide further assessments on the situation in Iran as more information becomes available," the agency said in a statement.
Iran condemned the attacks, calling them a violation of international law and vowed to continue its nuclear program.
A statement issued by Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) confirmed that early on Sunday morning, Iran's nuclear sites were "subjected to savage aggression--an act in violation of international laws, particularly the NPT."
"This action, which violates international regulations, unfortunately took place under the indifference--and even complicity--of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)," it said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the US military action under the leadership of Trump, stating that Trump's bold decision to target Iranian nuclear facilities will change history.
Meanwhile, India continues its evacuation efforts for Indian nationals in Iran, with multiple flights planned to bring back Indians from the conflict-hit region.