Iran Fortifies Isfahan Nuclear Complex to Block Surveillance

The Government of Iran has fortified its Isfahan nuclear complex by covering three main underground tunnel entrances with soil. Satellite imagery released on February 10, 2026, by the Institute for Science and International Security shows the middle, southern, and northern entrances obscured, a move analysts say is intended to degrade the effectiveness of aerial munitions and complicate special operations.

Additional imagery from Planet Labs shows that Iran has constructed roofs over damaged buildings at both the Isfahan and Natanz facilities. These measures prevent satellite surveillance of salvage efforts following Operation Midnight Hammer, the June 12-day war in which the United States and Israel struck nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Concurrent with these physical fortifications, Iran has blocked access for International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors.

These developments occur as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu travels to Washington for a closed meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. The meeting follows Israeli concerns that the United States might reach a nuclear agreement with Iran that lacks sufficient oversight.