Air defense test in Iran causes strong explosion near nuclear power plant

An air defense test in Iran It caused a loud explosion near the Natanz uranium enrichment plant on Saturday, in the midst of negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program.

The blast was heard in the sky over the Iranian city of Badrud, just 20 kilometers from the nuclear plant, the official Irna news agency reported.

“The residents of Badrud heard a noise and saw a light that showed that an object had just exploded in the sky over the city”, said a witness to Irna.

But Iranian army spokesman General Amir Tarikhani said on state television that there was no cause for concern.

“An hour ago one of the missile systems in the area was tested to assess readiness on the ground, and there is nothing to worry about”, Tarikhani said.

Israel has said several times that it is willing to use all means, including force, to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons capabilities, and Iran conducts periodic exercises to improve defenses around its nuclear facilities.

“To evaluate the systems in the region, these exercises are carried out in a completely safe environment and in full coordination with the integrated defense network”, the army spokesman said.

Israel has been pushing for world powers to drop talks with Iran on the 2015 nuclear deal, which resumed in Vienna on Monday.

The United States warned on Saturday that it would not allow Iran to “walk slowly” in negotiations over its nuclear program.

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