Satellite Images Reveal Ongoing Suspicious Activity at Iran's Secret Nuclear Site

New satellite imagery from late June 2026 reveals continued unusual activity at Iran's secret nuclear facility known as "Pickaxe Mountain," located near the Natanz nuclear site. Analysts from the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) report vehicle movements along roads leading to western tunnel entrances, indicating ongoing construction and reinforcement work inside the tunnel system. This activity potentially violates the memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States, which requires Iran to maintain the nuclear status quo and prohibits construction at any nuclear-related site, including Pickaxe Mountain.

The eastern tunnel entrances remain partially covered with earth, preventing vehicle access, a condition unchanged since early May. ISIS suggests this earth covering is intended to slow vehicle entry and exit rather than completely block access. Meanwhile, other major Iranian nuclear sites, including Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan, show minimal activity with damaged entrances and infrastructure still unrepaired following recent attacks. Only one vehicle was observed near Natanz's experimental enrichment facility, and critical cooling and power systems remain nonfunctional.

Pickaxe Mountain is a deeply buried, undeclared site with little publicly available information and has never been inspected by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors. Experts speculate the site may serve to store sensitive materials, protect nuclear activities from airstrikes, or relocate operations from more vulnerable facilities. Unlike other Iranian nuclear sites, Pickaxe Mountain has not been targeted in recent Israeli or U.S. strikes.

The ongoing construction and suspicious activity at this secretive site raise significant concerns about Iran's compliance with its nuclear commitments under the U.S.-Iran memorandum. The situation continues to be closely monitored by international observers amid broader tensions surrounding Iran's nuclear program.