Tehran, Feb 19: Iran appears to be racing to harden key nuclear and missile facilities against potential US airstrikes, with satellite imagery showing fresh concrete bunkers, buried tunnel entrances, and repairs at bombed sites, as President Trump weighs military options.
Photos from late 2024 to Feb 2026 expose activity at Parchin complex near Tehran—hit by Israel last year—including a “concrete sarcophagus” over the suspected Taleghan 2 site with a possible 36m explosives vessel for nuclear testing, per the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS).
At Isfahan nuclear complex, all three underground tunnel entrances are now backfilled with soil to shield enriched uranium stores from bombs or raids. Near Natanz, cement mixers swarm “Pickaxe Mountain” tunnels, bolstering defenses.
The buildup coincides with US military buildup—the largest since 2003 Iraq invasion—and stalled Geneva nuclear talks. Trump huddled with advisors this week; sources say strikes could launch soon, though diplomacy is preferred. White House: Iran should “make a deal.”
Iran denies nuclear weapons ambitions, but experts warn these moves signal prep for conflict as Trump’s reelected administration eyes preemption.
