Iran has been fortifying an underground complex near one of its nuclear facilities, according to analysis of new satellite images. This activity comes at a time of heightened tensions as talks between Iranian and US officials continue, with President Donald Trump threatening fresh military action against Iran if it does not agree to a new deal on its nuclear programme.
The photos, first analysed by the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), a US-based think tank, show tunnel entrances being strengthened at Mount Kolang Gaz La - also known as Pickaxe Mountain. Experts say this facility may be designed to protect Iran's uranium enrichment activities or key equipment, but its exact purpose—and whether it is operational—remains unclear.
Iran insists its nuclear programme is entirely peaceful and denies it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons. However, Trump said Iran was as little as a month away from having a nuclear weapon in June 2025. After a series of strikes on underground nuclear sites, Trump claimed that these airstrikes had obliterated Iran's enrichment capacity, despite Iranian officials considering setting up a new site.
The recent satellite image from February 10 shows fresh concrete laid on top of one of the tunnel entrance areas, with a boom pump visible at the location, indicating continued active construction. At another entrance, analysts noted that a concrete-reinforced structure appears alongside other signs of enhanced defensive preparations.
These changes at the facility suggest an intent to strengthen the tunnel entrances against a potential air strike. Meanwhile, satellite images reveal sealing and repair works ongoing at other facilities, including the Natanz nuclear site and the Isfahan complex. Experts note that such measures aim to protect possible highly enriched uranium contamination inside, highlighting the ongoing escalation in Iran's nuclear ambitions.
ISIS analyses reveal that preparations indicate the facility may not yet be ready for operations, with significant construction activity suggesting Iran's ongoing nuclear agenda remains undeterred. In conclusion, international officials, including Rafael Grossi of the IAEA, emphasize the urgent need for renewed negotiations to avert further escalation of conflicts surrounding Iran's nuclear activities.
The photos, first analysed by the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), a US-based think tank, show tunnel entrances being strengthened at Mount Kolang Gaz La - also known as Pickaxe Mountain. Experts say this facility may be designed to protect Iran's uranium enrichment activities or key equipment, but its exact purpose—and whether it is operational—remains unclear.
Iran insists its nuclear programme is entirely peaceful and denies it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons. However, Trump said Iran was as little as a month away from having a nuclear weapon in June 2025. After a series of strikes on underground nuclear sites, Trump claimed that these airstrikes had obliterated Iran's enrichment capacity, despite Iranian officials considering setting up a new site.
The recent satellite image from February 10 shows fresh concrete laid on top of one of the tunnel entrance areas, with a boom pump visible at the location, indicating continued active construction. At another entrance, analysts noted that a concrete-reinforced structure appears alongside other signs of enhanced defensive preparations.
These changes at the facility suggest an intent to strengthen the tunnel entrances against a potential air strike. Meanwhile, satellite images reveal sealing and repair works ongoing at other facilities, including the Natanz nuclear site and the Isfahan complex. Experts note that such measures aim to protect possible highly enriched uranium contamination inside, highlighting the ongoing escalation in Iran's nuclear ambitions.
ISIS analyses reveal that preparations indicate the facility may not yet be ready for operations, with significant construction activity suggesting Iran's ongoing nuclear agenda remains undeterred. In conclusion, international officials, including Rafael Grossi of the IAEA, emphasize the urgent need for renewed negotiations to avert further escalation of conflicts surrounding Iran's nuclear activities.
