Satellite imagery reveals Iran fortifying tunnel complex near nuclear facilities PHOTO

High-resolution satellite imagery captured on February 10 shows Iran continuing to reinforce and expand a large tunnel complex at Kolang-Gaz La Mountain, also known as Pickaxe Mountain.

The images indicate active construction work aimed at hardening two tunnel entrances into the underground facility, Institute for Science and International Security, a Washington-based nuclear nonproliferation think tank wrote on X.

The think tank said activity across the complex includes the movement of numerous vehicles, such as dump trucks, cement mixers, backhoes and truck-mounted cranes, suggesting a sustained engineering effort.

Imagery shows concrete being poured over an extension of the western tunnel entrance. At the eastern entrance, rock and soil appear to have been pushed back and levelled above the tunnel portal.

Over the past month, analysts also identified the addition of a concrete-reinforced headworks structure designed to allow further layering of rock, soil or concrete, increasing overhead protection.

The Institute said the modifications are likely intended to strengthen tunnel portals and improve resistance against potential airstrikes.

Despite the continued development, the facility is unlikely to be fully operational yet, the think tank assessed. However, satellite imagery over the past two months has also revealed the presence of smaller and closed-roof vehicles near tunnel entrances, which analysts say may indicate that Iran has begun installing internal equipment.

By Aghakazim Guliyev