Recent satellite imagery shows new roofs being constructed over damaged structures at Iranian nuclear sites that were struck by U.S. and Israeli forces last year.
Images from Planet Labs PBC reveal new coverings installed on two buildings at the Natanz and Isfahan facilities.
According to Andrea Stricker, an Iran analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington, these roofs are probably part of Iran’s initiative “to evaluate whether critical assets — like its limited stocks of highly enriched uranium — endured the attacks,” as she stated to The Associated Press.
“They aim to access any salvageable materials without Israel or the United States observing what remains,” she further explained.
These coverings prevent satellites from viewing activities on the ground, which is currently the sole method for International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors to observe the locations, as Iran has barred physical access.
The Natanz complex, located approximately 135 miles south of Tehran, comprises both above- and underground laboratories and was responsible for most of Iran’s uranium enrichment.
The site near Isfahan was primarily recognized for producing uranium hexafluoride gas, which is used to feed centrifuges for spinning and purification.
Last year, Israel initially targeted these sites, with subsequent U.S. attacks employing bunker-busting bombs and Tomahawk cruise missiles.
The Israel Defense Forces stated that a strike on the Isfahan facility “dismantled a metallic uranium production plant, infrastructure for reconverting enriched uranium, laboratories, and other infrastructure.”
The White House’s National Security Strategy released in November asserted that the U.S. strikes “significantly degraded Iran’s nuclear program.”
Iran has denied IAEA inspectors access to the sites since the bombings occurred.
These new satellite photos emerge as former President Donald Trump has frequently cautioned that a “massive Armada” is en route to the Middle East, increasing pressure on Iran’s government to agree to a nuclear deal. Former War Secretary Pete Hegseth remarked during a Cabinet meeting that the U.S. military is “ready to provide whatever the president demands” concerning Iran. Concurrently, Iranian military leaders have pledged a swift and forceful retaliation to any American assault.
The Trump administration also intensified sanctions on Iranian officials in reaction to the lethal suppression of anti-government demonstrators.
Digital’s Morgan Phillips and