Iran Enhances Security of Underground Nuclear Complex Amid Rising Tensions

Fri Feb 13 2026 04:58:34 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Latest satellite imagery reveals Iran is fortifying an underground complex near its nuclear facility, escalating concerns over its nuclear ambitions amidst ongoing tensions with the US.

Recent satellite images indicate Iran has begun strengthening an underground complex at Pickaxe Mountain, possibly to shield its uranium enrichment activities. This move occurs as US-Iran nuclear deal talks intensify, with concerns mounting over Iran's nuclear capabilities, following previous air strikes that targeted similar sites.

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 program.

The photos, first analyzed by the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), 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 program 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, when he ordered strikes on three underground nuclear sites where centrifuges were being used to produce highly enriched uranium during a 12-day war between Israel and Iran last year.

Pickaxe Mountain was not one of the locations attacked in US and Israeli air strikes in June 2025, but the Natanz nuclear facility, located about 2km (1.24 miles) north, was hit. A satellite image from 10 February shows what appears to be fresh concrete laid on top of one of the Pickaxe Mountain entrance areas. A boom pump used to deliver concrete can be seen at the location, analysts from both ISIS and UK-based intelligence analysis firm Maiar agreed.

Experts at ISIS suggest these changes are intended to strengthen the tunnel entrances and give additional protection against a potential air strike. The ongoing presence of heavy construction machinery and material indicates the facility is not likely to be ready for operations yet.

Satellite images also show repair work and defensive strengthening has been taking place at the nearby Natanz nuclear site and at the Isfahan nuclear complex, where all entrances to its tunnel complex now appear to be sealed off with earth. Backfilling the tunnel entrances would help dampen any air strike, ISIS suggests, as well as defending against a land-based assault. Recent reports emphasize that the Iranian nuclear program remains intact and the country remains vigilant against potential attacks.