The Islamic Republic has begun uranium enrichment at a well-protected underground facility

The Islamic Republic has begun uranium enrichment at a well-protected underground facility.

“We received reports yesterday that show Iran has begun uranium enrichment at the Fordo facility amid heightened foreign enemy threats,” Iranian newspaper Kayhan said in a front-page report.

Iran's nuclear chief Fereidoun Abbasi said late Saturday that Tehran will "soon" begin enrichment at Fordo.

Iran's main uranium enrichment site in Natanz in the center of the country is built partly underground, while the long-secret Fordo facility was built deep inside a mountain as a precaution from aerial attacks.

European diplomatic sources said on Friday that Iran was close to starting uranium enrichment at Fordow. 

Tehran's top nuclear official said on Saturday that Iran's nuclear plant in Bushehr will reach full capacity by the end of the month.