Satellite images reveal suspicious activity at secret Iranian site

Key Points:

• New satellite images from Airbus Defence and Space, analyzed by the Institute for Science and International Security, show that two eastern tunnel entrances of a secret Iranian underground complex at Mount Pickaxe were blocked with special soil by April 22.
• The underground complex is located south of the Natanz nuclear facility, and the tunnel entrances were open as of April 1, indicating recent activity to obstruct vehicle access.
• Unlike other sites such as Fordow and Isfahan, the blocking material does not fully conceal the tunnel openings but is sufficient to hinder rapid vehicle entry or exit and would require heavy equipment to clear.
• No evidence has been found yet of similar blocking at the two western tunnel entrances of the complex, which is buried deep underground and may protect valuable equipment or materials.
• The blocking activity raises significant questions about the purpose and nature of the underground facility and Iran’s intentions regarding its nuclear-related infrastructure.