Iran has initiated repairs on various nuclear and missile facilities that were damaged by recent US and Israeli strikes, as revealed by a CNN investigation utilizing satellite imagery.
Iran has begun repairing several nuclear and missile facilities damaged in recent US and Israeli strikes, according to a CNN visual investigation that cites satellite imagery showing reconstruction work at multiple strategic sites. The findings suggest that some of the repair efforts took place while a US-Iran memorandum of understanding (MoU) was still in effect, potentially undermining a key provision requiring Tehran to freeze its nuclear programme.
The investigation analysed commercial satellite images and identified construction activity at several major nuclear and military installations, including the Parchin military complex, the underground Pickaxe Mountain facility, and the Natanz and Isfahan nuclear sites.
According to CNN, satellite images show ongoing reconstruction at the Parchin complex, while activity has also resumed at the heavily fortified Pickaxe Mountain facility, which has long been associated with Iran’s sensitive nuclear infrastructure.
Large coverings have allegedly been installed over buildings that were damaged in Natanz and Isfahan. Experts contacted by CNN mentioned that these coverings might serve to hide the attempts to retrieve nuclear materials from being observed by satellites and to prevent inspection teams from observing the activities. The report also specified that the experts of the International Atomic Energy Agency were not able to access the damaged facilities after the conflict.
The investigation also found evidence of extensive work at Iran’s underground missile bases. Satellite imagery showed excavators, dump trucks and other heavy machinery clearing debris from tunnel entrances that had been blocked during the strikes.
CNN reported that at least 50 of the 69 tunnel access points examined had already been reopened, potentially restoring Iranian access to missiles that had been trapped underground after the attacks.
The findings come as tensions remain high despite recent diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran. The US-Iran memorandum, negotiated to reduce hostilities and stabilise the Strait of Hormuz, included commitments by Iran to suspend activities related to its nuclear programme. The reported reconstruction work during the agreement’s implementation period could raise fresh questions about Tehran’s compliance.
Iran has not publicly commented on CNN’s findings or addressed the satellite imagery cited in the investigation.