Experts say ‘deeply’ concerned over Iran’s work at underground nuclear site

Experts Say 'Deeply' Concerned Over Iran's Work at Underground Nuclear Site

Experts say deeply concerned over Iran - A prominent American research organization focused on Iran's nuclear program has raised alarms about the regime's operations at an undisclosed facility deep within the Zagros Mountains. This site, known as Pickaxe Mountain, has remained inaccessible to IAEA inspectors despite its strategic importance. The organization, based in Washington, argues that the continued development of this hidden installation undermines Iran's commitment to the terms of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) established during the Trump administration's tenure.

Operation Epic Fury, a joint effort by the United States and Israel, was launched on February 28, 2026, to strike at Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities. The action targeted key facilities, but the Pickaxe Mountain site has persisted as a source of worry. Experts from the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) highlight that halting construction at this location would serve as a critical indicator of Iran's intent to negotiate in good faith. The facility's advanced defenses have led to questions about its purpose and whether it represents a potential threat to international non-proliferation efforts.

Uncertainty Over Inspection Access

According to recent satellite images analyzed by ISIS, activity at Pickaxe Mountain has continued steadily since at least 2020. This consistent progress suggests the site may be nearing completion, which raises concerns about its operational readiness. Spencer Faragasso, a senior fellow at the institute, emphasized in a statement on X that the underground facility could soon be a fully functional nuclear plant. "The ongoing work at Pickaxe Mountain is deeply concerning," he wrote. "This steady pace of development indicates Iran is preparing for the worst-case scenario, where negotiations might collapse."

Faragasso added, "If Iran is serious about engaging in talks, it should pause construction at Pickaxe Mountain as a gesture of transparency. But how much can we expect from a regime known for its deceptive tactics?" The MOU between the U.S. and Iran requires the country to maintain the status quo at all nuclear facilities. This includes halting work at sites like Pickaxe Mountain, which would align with the agreement's objectives. However, the absence of IAEA inspections has left the terms of this pact in question.

Analysis of Recent Satellite Imagery

ISIS released a detailed report in late June 2026, using updated satellite data to illustrate the site's activity. The images reveal vehicle movement near the western tunnel portals, suggesting ongoing construction and reinforcement efforts. "This activity demonstrates that Iran is not only expanding the facility but also fortifying it against potential inspections," the institute noted. The analysis also points to the possibility that Pickaxe Mountain could host an enrichment plant, a crucial component for nuclear weapons development.

Meanwhile, the IAEA has yet to confirm access to Pickaxe Mountain. In response to a query from Fox News Digital, the agency declined to provide a detailed assessment of its plans to inspect the site. This hesitation has fueled speculation about Iran's intentions and the effectiveness of the MOU in curbing its nuclear ambitions. The institute's findings add weight to these concerns, as they highlight the lack of oversight at a location critical to Iran's strategic goals.

Comparative Insights on Other Facilities

ISIS also examined the status of other Iranian nuclear sites, including Natanz, Fordow, and Esfahan. At Natanz, the agency noted minimal activity, with access points to underground enrichment halls still in disrepair. Personnel entrances remained damaged, and vehicle access roads showed signs of neglect. In contrast, the PFEP at Fordow, which was heavily damaged in June 2025, had been partially restored by Iran. A single vehicle was observed near the site, indicating efforts to maintain operations despite the setback.

Faragasso pointed out that the situation at Fordow reflects a pattern of resilience. "Between May 10 and May 18, Iran implemented passive defensive measures, such as earthen mounds and rocky barriers, along roads leading to tunnel entrances. These precise placements suggest a calculated effort to slow down any rapid movement toward the tunnels," he explained. The June 21 Vantor image confirmed that these defenses remain intact, raising further doubts about the transparency of Iran's nuclear activities.

At Esfahan, the institute reported no visible activity as of June 29, 2026. The tunnel portals, which had been backfilled with dirt, remained sealed. This detail underscores the strategic importance of Pickaxe Mountain, as it appears to be the focal point of Iran's nuclear expansion. The findings from these sites collectively paint a picture of a country that continues to prioritize its nuclear program, even as international scrutiny intensifies.

Broader Implications for Nuclear Agreements

The concerns raised by ISIS highlight potential vulnerabilities in the MOU framework. While the agreement aimed to establish a stable relationship between the U.S. and Iran, the persistence of unmonitored facilities like Pickaxe Mountain suggests the terms may not be as binding as intended. Faragasso warned that the flaws in the inspection process during the Obama era could carry over into this new arrangement. "If the IAEA is unable to access critical sites, the entire agreement risks becoming a paper exercise," he stated.

Experts stress that the absence of inspections at Pickaxe Mountain creates "nuclear blind spots," which could be exploited by Iran to accelerate its weapons program. The institute's detailed analysis serves as a call to action, urging the U.S. and its allies to push for greater transparency. "The continued activity at this site must be addressed through direct engagement with the IAEA," Faragasso concluded. "Only then can we assess the true scope of Iran's nuclear capabilities."

With the State Department and the Iranian Mission to the United Nations receiving inquiries, the situation remains under close watch. The satellite imagery and expert assessments underscore the urgency of resolving these concerns. As Iran moves forward with its nuclear plans, the international community faces the challenge of verifying compliance without the ability to conduct on-site inspections. This dynamic could shape the future of nuclear diplomacy and the effectiveness of agreements designed to curb proliferation risks.