Satellite Images Reveal Iran's Secret Nuclear Site Activity Amid Khamenei Funeral

Satellite images from late June 2026, provided by Vantor to the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), reveal ongoing construction at Iran's secret nuclear site known as Pickaxe Mountain. This activity, including vehicle movements near western tunnel entrances and tunnel fortifications, potentially violates the memorandum of understanding with the United States, which requires Iran to maintain the status quo and halt construction at nuclear sites. Other major nuclear facilities, including Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan, showed little to no significant activity, with entrances blocked by earth and infrastructure damaged or unrepaired.

Meanwhile, Iran is holding a massive funeral for its Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an Israeli strike on February 28 during Operation Roaring Lion. Millions of Iranians participated, with speeches calling for assassination of U.S. President Donald Trump. Delegations from Hamas, Yemen’s Houthis, Hezbollah, and various countries attended the ceremony at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla Mosque, alongside top Iranian officials such as President Masoud Pezhkian and Revolutionary Guards commander Ahmad Vahidi.

Khamenei’s three sons appeared publicly for the first time since his death, though his presumed successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, was absent due to security concerns over possible Israeli assassination attempts. The Revolutionary Guards warned against any attacks during the funeral period, and Tehran’s airspace was closed. Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf threatened Iran would resume "appropriate measures" if the U.S. and Israel fail to uphold their commitments.

U.S. President Donald Trump commented from Washington that Iran was given "a week off for the funeral" out of "kindness," asserting that Iran desires a deal. The February strike that killed Khamenei also claimed the lives of top military officials, including Chief of Staff Abdul Rahim Mousavi and Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, along with about 40 regime leaders. Public reaction in Iran was one of shock and mourning, with citizens traveling long distances to pay respects and express loyalty to the late leader and the nation.