Iran Secretly Building Nuclear Weapon Facility, Satellite Images Suggest

Recent satellite imagery indicates that Iran is actively rebuilding and expanding a nuclear facility known as "Taleghan-2" at the Parchin military base, approximately 30 kilometers from Tehran. The construction work, overseen by nuclear specialist David Albright of the Institute for Science and International Security, shows significant activity including excavators, bulldozers, and concrete mixers. Iran has reportedly erected a large protective canopy over the construction zone to obscure the work from satellite and aerial surveillance.

"Taleghan-2" is an underground facility that Israeli intelligence reports suggest was twice severely damaged by Israeli strikes during operations "Lion's Mane" and "Lion's Roar." According to Israeli intelligence, the site has been used in recent years for the development of advanced explosives and secret testing related to Iran's nuclear weapons program, specifically concerning the mechanism for a nuclear explosive device.

Reconstruction efforts at "Taleghan-2" began in June, shortly after the "Lion's Roar" operation concluded. Initial construction was observed in July, with subsequent images showing substantial progress. Iran has reportedly added two concrete protective layers on either side of the facility, likely to enhance its resilience against potential attacks.

This development follows reports that Iran has also accelerated construction at another suspected nuclear facility hidden within a granite massif near Natanz, with significant building volume increase noted in 2026.