Kamal Ghorui
This satellite image from Planet Labs PBC shows the rubble of the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant at Iran’s Natanz nuclear enrichment site on Dec. 3, 2025. (Planet Labs PBC via AP)
Satellite images show new activity at two Iranian nuclear sites hit by Israeli and US strikes last year, raising questions about what Tehran may be doing at the damaged facilities.Images from Planet Labs PBC show roofs have been built over destroyed buildings at the Natanz and Isfahan nuclear sites. The work appears to block satellite views of the ground, at a time when Iran has not allowed inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to visit the sites. According to news agency Associated Press, experts who reviewed the images said the work does not look like full reconstruction. Instead, they believe Iran may be trying to check whether any materials survived the strikes without being seen. Andrea Stricker of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies said the coverings could help Iran recover any remaining assets away from satellite scrutiny.Natanz, Iran’s main uranium enrichment site, was badly damaged during the June strikes, including underground sections hit by US bunker-busting bombs. Isfahan, which produces uranium gas for enrichment, was also targeted.The activity comes as US President Donald Trump continues to pressure Iran to negotiate over its nuclear programme, warning of possible military action. Iran has said it would respond to any attack and has refused talks under threat.
