Iran didn’t have nukes around the corner but they kept uranium that was enriched well beyond what you’d require for a regular reactor. You don’t really need to dig a bunker absurdly deep in a mountain for nuclear research if all you’re doing is reactors too. These guys are playing a very long game and seem to be very patient.

Judging by your instance I assume you’re used to pretending Iran isn’t pursuing nuclear arms because it was a taboo but by now everyone and their grandmothers are trying to procure some nukes so it’s doubly silly to say that Iran wouldn’t do this 100% rational thing given how much of a threat Israel and Saudi Arabia are.