US Believes Iran May Use Nuclear Site as Underground Bunker

The United States believes Iran may be preparing to use the "Mount Makush" nuclear site as an underground sanctuary for its nuclear program, according to CNN. This assessment follows reports of increased construction activity around the site, which is located approximately 225 kilometers south of Tehran and is known to be buried under granite. Analysts from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) observed this construction over six years of satellite imagery. This development comes amid Israeli intelligence suggestions that Iran might move centrifuges to a new location as part of its uranium enrichment efforts. The US has previously considered options for attacking underground facilities.

These concerns are amplified by recent escalations between Iran and the US. Iran launched a barrage of 20 missiles targeting American sites in Jordan and claimed to have struck two US vessels, eight oil tankers, and ten ships in the Strait of Hormuz. This action was reportedly in retaliation for a US strike the previous day that destroyed five Iranian tankers in the Gulf of Oman near Kharg Island. Iran conveyed a clear message, with inscriptions on the missiles stating, "We will not back down from our position regarding the Strait of Hormuz."

According to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Al-Azraq base in Jordan was hit by ballistic missiles, as were two American destroyers carrying cruise missiles. Jordan reported that 18 of the launched missiles were intercepted, with two falling in open areas. Iran has stated that its response against the United States will continue until the "aggression is stopped."