Satellite imagery from late June and early July obtained by CNN shows reconstruction at the Taleghan 2 facility inside the Parchin military complex, previously associated with high-explosive testing for nuclear weapons. Vehicles were also observed entering tunnels at an undeclared underground complex near Natanz, known as Pickaxe Mountain, which Western analysts suspect could house centrifuge production or enrichment. The activity may breach the status-quo memorandum of understanding with the United States.
This latest CNN report, based on satellite imagery from late June and early July, provides the most specific evidence yet of Iranian reconstruction at nuclear-weapons-related sites. The report identifies the Taleghan 2 facility inside the Parchin military complex, previously associated with high-explosive testing relevant to nuclear weapons development, and the Pickaxe Mountain underground complex near Natanz, which Western analysts suspect could eventually house centrifuge production or enrichment operations.
As The Zioneer reported on Saturday evening, CNN had earlier flagged fresh activity at several Iranian nuclear and missile sites, potentially breaching the memorandum of understanding with the United States. Earlier that day, satellite imagery reviewed by the Institute for Science and International Security confirmed rebuilding at five sites, including Parchin and Tabriz, while no activity was detected at Natanz or Fordow.
The IAEA has never inspected the Pickaxe Mountain site, and Iran has previously ruled out allowing inspections of damaged nuclear facilities. The new imagery raises further questions about Tehran's compliance with the status-quo agreement reached with Washington.
2 developments
- DevelopingCNN: Satellite images show Iran rebuilding damaged nuclear sites
- StrongNew satellite imagery shows Iran rebuilding five nuclear and missile sites
- StrongSatellite imagery reveals construction activity at Iran's secret underground nuclear facility near Natanz
- StrongNew satellite imagery details vehicle activity at Iran's Natanz and Isfahan nuclear sites
Source and signal
- Internal intake