New satellite images revealed unusual activity inside an underground tunnel complex near the Iranian Natanz nuclear facility, raising questions about the nature of the ongoing movements inside the site, which is considered one of the most fortified and mysterious Iranian nuclear facilities.
According to a report published by Israeli Channel 12, photos taken by the Institute for Security and International Studies showed quantities of dirt at the eastern entrances to the tunnels of the “Jabal Pikas” complex south of Natanz, in a move believed to be aimed at closing the roads leading to the tunnels or limiting quick access to them.
The pictures showed that the entrances were completely open at the beginning of last April, before they were partially closed with dirt later, which suggests the need for heavy equipment to reopen the road to movement inside the complex.
On the other hand, no similar indicators were recorded at the western entrances to the tunnels, which increased the mystery surrounding the site, which International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors had never previously entered or inspected.
The report indicated that, during the past months, the region witnessed work to strengthen the openings of old tunnels using concrete. These tunnels are believed to have been in use since 2007, which reinforced the hypothesis that sensitive equipment or materials were being transported into the facility.
The “Mount Pickax” complex, or “Axe Mountain Facility,” is known as one of the most secret Iranian nuclear sites, as Tehran has only revealed very limited information about it since the beginning of its construction.
Previous estimates and reports indicate that the site may be used to store equipment related to the Iranian nuclear program, or to transfer sensitive activities to a fortified underground facility capable of continuing to operate even if other nuclear sites are exposed to attacks.
The site was not targeted during the strikes that targeted Iranian nuclear facilities over the past year, unlike major sites such as Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.
It is also estimated that the facility was built at a depth greater than the Fordow uranium enrichment facility, which makes targeting it militarily or monitoring it internationally more complicated.
