Satellite Images Reveal Ongoing Iranian Activity at Secretive Pickaxe Mountain Nuclear Site

New satellite imagery from late June 2026 reveals continued underground activity at Iran's Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility near Natanz. According to analysis by the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), vehicle movements and construction work to reinforce tunnel entrances were observed, suggesting ongoing operations despite Iran's commitments under the memorandum of understanding with the United States to maintain a status quo on nuclear activities.

The eastern tunnel entrances remain partially covered with earth, likely as a defensive measure to restrict rapid vehicle access. This contrasts with limited activity at other key nuclear sites such as Natanz and Fordow, where enrichment facilities remain damaged from previous attacks attributed to Israel and the U.S., and no signs of tunnel reopening or restoration of power and cooling systems were detected.

Pickaxe Mountain is considered one of Iran's most secretive nuclear sites, with no prior visits by International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors and minimal public information released by Tehran. It is believed to serve as a storage and operational hub for sensitive materials, potentially designed to continue functioning underground even if other sites are targeted.

The ongoing work at Pickaxe Mountain raises questions about Iran's adherence to its nuclear commitments, as construction activity may violate the agreed terms. Meanwhile, other facilities show only minimal activity, with defensive earthworks still in place at Fordow and no new developments at Esfahan.

This revelation comes amid heightened international scrutiny of Iran's nuclear program and follows a year of attacks on Iranian nuclear infrastructure. The continued underground activity at Pickaxe Mountain will likely attract further attention from intelligence and research communities monitoring Iran's nuclear capabilities.