Satellite images indicate that Iran may be attempting to rebuild suspected nuclear facilities at Pickaxe Mountain and Parchin, areas that sustained damage during U.S. and Israeli-led bombing campaigns that began in late February, according to a CNN report citing private firms. The footage reveals what are described as “major signs” of activity at both locations.
The Parchin Military Complex, long suspected of housing secret nuclear activities, was repeatedly targeted. While early June imagery showed damage assessment and cleanup, including the temporary covering of three impact holes at a buried facility, subsequent images from July 7 show renewed activity. Concrete mixer trucks were observed nearby, and the impact holes were covered with mesh material and concrete, suggesting an effort for more permanent sealing and hardening of the site. This marks a second attempt at reconstruction, according to an analysis by David Albright, founder of the Institute for Science and International Security.
"This work shows a commitment by Iran to rebuild and reconstitute the capabilities previously lost, despite the immense damage at the site," the Institute for Science and International Security report stated.
Other satellite images show vehicles entering and exiting the Pickaxe Mountain facility, which intelligence agencies have long suspected of housing underground nuclear enrichment activities. The reconstruction efforts at these sites could potentially conflict with a Memorandum of Understanding reached last month between Iran and U.S. negotiators, which reportedly stipulates that Iran will "maintain the current status quo of its nuclear program."
However, satellite imagery did not reveal activity at other known Iranian nuclear sites, including Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.
The Parchin complex also reportedly houses missile production facilities. Its Teleghan 2 site was reportedly hit twice in recent months, around March 11 and again between March 24 and April 1. The International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors visited Parchin in 2004 and 2005, but reported being denied access to certain areas in 2006.