https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwygxz81330o
Emma Pengelly, BBC Verify and Ghoncheh Habibiazad, BBC Persian
- Published
12 February 2026
Iran has been fortifying an underground complex near one of its nuclear facilities, according to analysis of new satellite images.
This activity comes at a time of heightened tensions as talks between Iranian and US officials continue, with President Donald Trump threatening fresh military action against Iran if it does not agree a new deal on its nuclear programme.
The photos, first analysed by the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), a US-based think tank, show tunnel entrances being strengthened at Mount Kolang Gaz La - also known as Pickaxe Mountain.
Experts say this facility may be designed to protect Iran's uranium enrichment activities or key equipment, but its exact purpose - and whether it is operational - remains unclear.