The Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) published high resolution satellite images showing the extent of the earthworks carried out by Iran at the tunnel entrances inside the Isfahan nuclear complex. The images were taken on Sunday.
According to the analysis, covering the tunnel entrances with soil is intended to reduce the effectiveness of any potential air attack and to complicate a ground assault by special forces seeking to seize or destroy enriched uranium that may be stored inside the facility.
NEW: High resolution satellite imagery taken yesterday shows the extent to which Iran has covered the tunnel entrances at the Esfahan nuclear complex with soil. The middle and southern entrances are unrecognizable and fully covered in soil. The northernmost tunnel entrance which… pic.twitter.com/baYI2zCuN0
— Inst for Science (@TheGoodISIS) February 9, 2026
ISIS also noted that Iran may have moved equipment or materials into the tunnels for protection, although this cannot be independently confirmed.
Similar preparations were observed in Isfahan in the days preceding Operation Midnight Hammer, which struck nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.
A separate satellite imagery analysis published last month by ISIS concluded that Iran has been fortifying the tunnel network at the Isfahan site. That report assessed that the measures were part of Iranian preparations for the possibility of further military strikes on its nuclear facilities, following a pattern seen ahead of the US attacks during the 12 day war in June.
