Iran 'Buries' Nuclear Site As Satellite Images Reveal US Military Buildup
- By RFE/RL
Satellite images appear to show entrances to Iranian nuclear sites buried under tons of soil and a marked increase in US forces in the region, as tension mounts over potential US strikes.
1
A satellite image taken on February 10 shows what appears to be piles of dirt (darker shaded earth in the center of the photo) filling up the entrances to a tunnel complex at the Isfahan Nuclear Research Center in central Iran.
2
The same view of the Isfahan site, captured in 2024, shows the tunnel entrances as they would usually appear.
Some observers have suggested filling entrances with dirt is a low-tech way to hamper a potential raid by special forces into the nuclear site.
Some observers have suggested filling entrances with dirt is a low-tech way to hamper a potential raid by special forces into the nuclear site.
3
Recent images appear to show a large buildup of military hardware at bases of US allies in the Middle East.
These photos appear to show an increase in the number of aircraft seen at the Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar on January 17 (left) and February 1.
These photos appear to show an increase in the number of aircraft seen at the Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar on January 17 (left) and February 1.
4
Satellite images of the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan also appear to show a marked increased in the number of aircraft on the tarmac on January 16 (left) and February 2.
Some US regional allies have reportedly said they do not wish bases in their countries to be used for strikes on Iran. Increased deployments might be to protect against Iranian drones and missiles in the event of US carrier-based air strikes.
Some US regional allies have reportedly said they do not wish bases in their countries to be used for strikes on Iran. Increased deployments might be to protect against Iranian drones and missiles in the event of US carrier-based air strikes.
5
Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian delivers an address on February 11 during the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Tehran.
In his speech, Pezeshkian said his nation was "not seeking to acquire nuclear weapons," while claiming Tehran is "ready for any kind of verification." The country has refused inspections from the International Atomic Energy Agency during months of heightened tensions with the United States over Iran's nuclear program.
In his speech, Pezeshkian said his nation was "not seeking to acquire nuclear weapons," while claiming Tehran is "ready for any kind of verification." The country has refused inspections from the International Atomic Energy Agency during months of heightened tensions with the United States over Iran's nuclear program.
