A detailed analysis by the Institute for Science and International Security, reported by journalist Doron Kadosh, reveals that Iran's deeply buried Mount Machush facility near Natanz remains under construction and has not become operational. The facility, carved into a granite mountain at a depth of over 100 meters, is designed to house thousands of advanced centrifuges and could support military-grade uranium enrichment once operational. The report notes the site was not struck in the 2025 or 2026 conflicts, and identifies vulnerabilities in its power, ventilation, and supply lines, as well as the risk of a US or Israeli strike.
The Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) published a detailed analysis of Iran's Mount Machush underground nuclear facility, reported Tuesday by journalist Doron Kadosh (N13 / Army Radio). The analysis, which draws on satellite imagery and open-source intelligence, provides the most comprehensive public assessment to date of the site near Natanz.
Mount Machush, a deep-buried facility carved into a granite mountain, has been a focal point of tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States. As The Zioneer reported earlier Tuesday, The Wall Street Journal disclosed that Israeli intelligence assessed Iran moved thousands of centrifuges to the site last fall, prompting President Trump to threaten a strike. A subsequent bulletin at 09:01 Jerusalem summarized the ISIS findings at a high level.
Kadosh's report adds granular detail: the facility has two entrances at depths of 100–145 meters, construction began in 2020, and Iran has added perimeter walls and concrete barriers since 2025. Despite its strategic importance, the site was not attacked in the 2025 or 2026 conflicts. The analysis assesses that the facility is still under construction and not yet operational, but its underground halls are large enough to house a military-grade uranium enrichment plant. Vulnerabilities include power, ventilation, and supply lines, as well as the risk of a US or Israeli strike.
2 developments
- StrongSatellite imagery reveals construction activity at Iran's secret underground nuclear facility near Natanz
- StrongAnalysis: Iran's Mount Makush nuclear facility deeper than Fordow, US reportedly plans phased strike on access routes
- StrongIsraeli assessment: Iran's enriched uranium entombed in attacked Isfahan tunnels, Fordow ruins
- StrongWSJ: Israel shared intelligence on Iran's Mount Machush centrifuge move to urge US strike
Source and signal
- Internal intake