Iran Strengthens Security Measures at Nuclear Facility Amid Rising Tensions

Sat Feb 14 2026 10:58:43 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Recent satellite images reveal Iran's efforts to fortify an underground complex near its nuclear site, indicating heightened security amid ongoing tensions and negotiations with the US. Experts investigate the implications for Iran's nuclear program.

Satellite imagery analysis shows Iran is reinforcing an underground complex near its nuclear facilities, specifically at Mount Kolang Gaz La, potentially to protect its uranium enrichment activities. The developments occur amidst renewed threats from US officials regarding Iranian nuclear ambitions, with President Trump previously striking locations related to uranium enrichment. As Iran maintains that its nuclear technology is for peaceful purposes, experts express concern that ongoing construction might enhance its defense against military strikes and ensure the continuity of its nuclear capabilities.

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 programme.

The photos, first analyzed by the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), a US-based think tank, 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 programme is entirely peaceful and denies it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons. However, Trump claimed 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. He stated that the strikes had obliterated Iran's enrichment capacity, but that Iranian officials were thinking about starting a new site.

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, with a boom pump used to deliver concrete observed at the location.

At another tunnel entrance, rock and soil has been pushed back and flattened. Experts suggest these changes are intended to strengthen the tunnel entrances and provide 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.

In the past, Iran has tied the construction to rebuilding an advanced centrifuge assembly plant, but the size of the facility and the protection offered by the mountain have generated concerns about additional sensitive activities planned, such as uranium enrichment. Recent satellite images also show repair work and defensive enhancements occurring at the nearby Natanz nuclear site and Isfahan nuclear complex.

Iran's actions could signify a cautious approach in response to potential attacks. According to Prof. Sina Azodi from George Washington University, Iran appears to be preparing itself for likely assaults on its nuclear operations. As noted by Rafael Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency, a renewed nuclear deal with the US is urgently needed, emphasizing the precarious situation involving Iran's nuclear program and its global implications.