Satellite images show Iran reconstructing Pickaxe Mountain tunnel complex, in apparent MOU violation

Recent satellite imagery shows no signs that Iran has begun repairing key damage at its main nuclear facilities following US and Israeli strikes, though construction appears to be taking place at the Pickaxe Mountain tunnel complex adjacent to the Natanz Nuclear Facility, the Washington-based Institute for Science and International Security says.

According to the think tank, the underground enrichment halls at Natanz remain inaccessible, with damaged entrances, destroyed power systems and displaced HVAC chillers still unrepaired. It also reports no recent observable activity at the Fordo uranium enrichment plant or Isfahan nuclear complex, where tunnel entrances remain blocked with earth.

The institute says, however, that fresh satellite imagery from late June shows vehicle activity and ongoing construction at the nearby Pickaxe Mountain facility, where workers appear to be reinforcing tunnel entrances.

The group argues that such work violates the US-Iran memorandum of understanding, which requires Tehran to maintain the status quo of its nuclear program during negotiations, including by refraining from construction at nuclear-related sites such as Pickaxe Mountain.

Recent satellite imagery from late June 2026, of the Natanz Nuclear Complex and the nearby Pickaxe Mountain facility, Fordow, and Esfahan, were provided to the Institute by @vantortech. 

At Natanz, little activity can be seen. The access points to the below ground enrichment… pic.twitter.com/on6isIGhNA

— Inst for Science (@TheGoodISIS) July 2, 2026