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Iran Covers Nuclear Sites, Builds Deep Underground Facility

Is Iran racing to rebuild its nuclear weapons program or is its infrastructure still largely inoperative?
Iran Covers Nuclear Sites, Builds Deep Underground Facility
Above: Satellite imagery reveals damage and disrupted infrastructure at the Natanz nuclear complex after airstrikes in June 2025. Image credit: Satellite image/Vantor/Getty Images

The Spin

Anti-Iran narrative

Iran's frantic efforts to hide its nuclear sites under roofs and fortify underground tunnels prove the regime is desperately trying to salvage whatever enrichment capabilities survived last June's devastating strikes. The construction at Pickaxe Mountain — a facility so deep that American bunker busters likely can't reach it — shows Tehran is racing to rebuild its nuclear weapons program while blocking international inspectors from monitoring the sites. These moves demonstrate that Iran remains committed to developing nuclear weapons despite crippling military losses.

Pro-Iran narrative

Iran's actions reflect a focus on national security rather than an intention to develop nuclear weapons. The developments at sites like Pickaxe Mountain are primarily defensive measures in response to perceived threats. Iran's nuclear program aims to serve peaceful purposes, such as energy production and medical research, in line with its rights under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The Iranian government stresses the importance of dialogue and warns that isolation and military actions push Iran further underground, making monitoring and compliance more challenging.

Metaculus Prediction


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Establishment split

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© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0

© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.18.0