Iran's Natanz nuclear power plant has experienced a serious technical problem on Saturday. Tehran says no one has been injured in the blast and no radioactive material has been released. However, nuclear experts believe that this is a serious security signal.

Although many Western sources claim that the incident was a cyber attack, Tehran is still looking for the real perpetrator. Even newspapers such as the New York Times and the Jerusalem Post, which provided influential and classified information, said that Israeli special services have been behind the blast.

There are dark points in the middle, including the contradictory views of Iranian officials. Of course, the West, targeted by Iran, was initially blacklisted as a suspect. At the same time, Iran, which is trying to break the shackles of sanctions, blames Israel, which it recognizes as a Zionist state.

The most interesting thing is that this event coincides with the National Nuclear Technology Day celebrated in Iran on April 8. It seems that some forces have prepared a surprise for Iran.

In his interview to Eurasia Diary, political expert Sadraddin Soltan clarified many important points.

- The New York Times, Jerusalem Post and some other sources consider the incident at the nuclear power plant in Iran as an act of terrorism. Do you think this is a cyber attack on Iran, or just an accident?

- The incident at Iran's Natanz nuclear power plant can be assessed in different ways. Undoubtedly, the Iranian government first of all hold Israel as guilty in such events in its country. If the Britain was thought to have hand in the events of about 100 years ago in Iran, now in the events of the last 30 years, Israel and the United States are under its focus of interest. At the same time, it is clear from today's statement that the person suspected of committing the incident has been detained.

Of course, first of all, it is considered a cyber attack. Because physically Iran's nuclear facilities are very strongly protected. It is impossible to carry out any military attack there. However, today modern information technology proves that cyber attacks have a greater impact. Iran may say that this is due to a malfunction in order to whitewash itself, but I think this is a clear message of warning to Iran.  

- Frozen talks between Iran and the United States on the nuclear issue are resumed. Do you think this event can affect the negotiations?

- As for the talks, as it is known, the United States has said that it won’t sit around a round table with Iran unless it meets all requirements. However, Iran does accept the staged negotiations. I think after this incident, Iran's position will soften. The incident will also increase pressure on Iran and international condemnation.

On the other hand, Iran's assertive and haughty behaviour will create a big problem for it. This is not a sanction on an ordinary economic or political issue. Well, 35 years have passed since the Chernobyl accident since 1986, but the consequences of that accident are still having an effect. Therefore, Iran cannot be assertive and cynical in this matter, and this is unacceptable. This could be a direct threat to the countries of the region.

- On Sunday, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif reported on the accident at the Natanz nuclear base during a meeting with members of the Iranian parliament, the National Security Service and the Foreign Policy Committee. He noted that the incident will not reduce Iran's nuclear production. On the contrary, in response to the Zionists, Iran will carry on enriching its nuclear power plant...

- As I said earlier, it is unacceptable for Iran to open up to anyone here or increase nuclear production. This is not just a weapon or artillery. We are talking about lives of about millions of people in the surrounding countries, including Iran.

Rather than blaming anyone for the incident, Iran must first address its weaknesses in the security system. As I said, there is no question of any physical security. Iran's nuclear facilities are protected by thick concrete walls, and there is a sufficient system of protection from both air and land. There is only one issue left, and that is a cyber attack that can be carried out with the help of modern technology.

In my opinion, the events also show that Iran is lagging behind in this field of activity. In this scenario the guilty is not only the one that has posed a potential threat, but the owner that dangerous area. Because Iran has failed to prevent such incidents, and it is possible that this will happen again. Therefore, Iran must follow the rules set by the West and thus ensure transparency in the region.

- How will the West react to Iran's counteract in terms of increasing nuclear production? What other sanctions await Iran?

- Iran's increase in nuclear production is not unequivocally welcomed by the West. I think among the issues to be discussed during US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken's visit to Brussels will be the assessment of Iran's nuclear programme, as well as the details of the accident.

I think from now on, four Western countries, including the United States, will impose sanctions on Iran.

Another issue is that the Iranian economy will inevitably decline after this incident. The reconstruction of the Natanz nuclear power plant will take at least nine months, during which the Iranian economy will experience a crisis. Iran needs a lot of money for repair and reconstruction of the plant. However, no doubt that western pressure will push back many of Iran's plans.

By Elnur Enveroglu

Eurasia Diary