Recent satellite imagery captured on Thursday revealed significant renewed activity at a site in Iran known as Minzadehei, located northeast of Tehran, which is believed to be connected to nuclear weapons development, following an Israeli strike in March, according to The Institute for Science and International Security.
The institute analyzed high-resolution satellite images provided by VANTOR Technologies, which showed regular vehicle movements around the site and extensive cleanup operations following Israeli strikes in March that destroyed multiple buildings and likely underground structures.
The IDF identified the site as Minzadehei, situated on the northeastern outskirts of Tehran. IDF Chief Spokesman Brig.-Gen. Effie Defrin stated in March that the facility was tied to Iran’s nuclear weapons development, noting that intelligence had tracked Iranian nuclear scientists traveling to the location prior to the strike.
The IDF stated that the compound was designed to restore technology and advance capabilities necessary for nuclear weapons development, though it did not specify the particular component being worked on.
The facility included aboveground buildings and structures built into the surrounding hillside. The Institute for Science and International Security reported that satellite imagery revealed a highly secured compound featuring buildings, roads, and structures partially embedded in the terrain.
In September, Israeli intelligence presented evidence suggesting Iran was conducting new construction at the Pickaxe Mountain site, a mountainous facility south of Tehran identified as a potential location for restoring elements of Iran’s nuclear program, though the reporting did not confirm uranium enrichment was occurring there.
Yonah Jeremy Bob and Idan Kweller contributed to this report.
