Israeli Intelligence Warns Iran Moved Thousands of Centrifuges to Deep Underground Facility at Mount Makush

Israeli intelligence agencies estimate that Iran has transferred thousands of uranium enrichment centrifuges to a deep underground facility inside Mount Makush during the past autumn. These findings, shared with the United States, raise serious concerns that Tehran continues to advance its nuclear program covertly despite recent military strikes. The transfer reportedly occurred after the June 2025 conflict, during which Israeli and American airstrikes targeted Iran's three main nuclear sites.

An Israeli military source familiar with the strikes told the Wall Street Journal that the recent air campaign did not sufficiently target nuclear weapons-related facilities, specifically citing Mount Makush as a site that remains inadequately addressed. The relocation of centrifuges to a heavily fortified underground mountain complex significantly complicates the ability of Israel and the U.S. to conduct effective airstrikes, as such facilities require specialized means to destroy.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly been urging U.S. President Donald Trump to resume extensive strikes on Iran to delay Tehran's nuclear development and recovery efforts. This push comes amid Israeli concerns that potential diplomatic agreements between Washington and Tehran could leave Israel vulnerable to a nuclear threat. Meanwhile, International Atomic Energy Agency Director Rafael Grossi has stated that inspectors have "full access" to Iranian nuclear sites under a recent memorandum, though it remains unclear if this includes underground facilities like Mount Makush.

The report underscores a strategic divergence between Israel and the U.S., with Israel viewing Iran's nuclear program as an existential threat requiring immediate action, while the U.S. favors diplomatic oversight. Previously, the U.S. considered a covert operation to extract enriched uranium from Iran but abandoned the plan due to its risks.