Iran has thwarted an attempt to sabotage water tanks used for its nuclear reactors, according to Iranian media on Thursday.

According to the the local Arman daily, Asghar Zarean, deputy chief for the Atomic Energy Organization said Iranian nuclear authorities had foiled attempts to destroy Arak production plant water tanks two weeks ago, Reuters relayed.

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Nuclear experts had learned of the plans ahead of time, just before the tanks were to be filled with heavy water, he said.

Zarean, who also oversees security for the department, alleged that "a foreign country was behind the attempt" but did not elaborate further. Government officials could likewise, not be reached for comment.

For years, Iranian officials have accused the West of sabotaging its nuclear program, which the global community suspects is aimed at nuclear weapons manufacturing. Tehran has adamantly denied the allegations, arguing that its program is intended for peaceful means such as isotope research and power generation.

In 2010, a computer virus dubbed Stuxnet had reportedly breached nuclear software programs and disrupted the operation of hundreds of uranium centrifuges used for fuel production at Iran's facility in Natanz.

Iran maintains Israel, the United States and other allies were responsible for the Stuxnet virus and other similar software attacks it claims are intended to undermine the country's nuclear initiatives.

Those against Tehran's nuclear activities should realize that any attempt to sabotage the program is useless, Zarean said.

Iranian officials would have already discovered and dealt with them before the enemies could have a chance to execute their plans, he added.

Last September, authorities had detained a Ukrainian national who allegedly attempted to sabotage a nuclear plant in Bushehr. The suspect is believed to have ties to a Russian contractor working at Bushehr, which was put up in 2011 with help from Russia, local newspaper Hamshahri reported.

TagsNuclear Program of Iran, politics, Iran, Asia, sabotage, Rootkits, Nuclear energy in Iran, Stuxnet