Exclusive satellite images obtained by CNN from Vantor indicate that Iran may be attempting to rebuild its nuclear facilities.
A visual investigation conducted by the network revealed new activity at several nuclear and missile facilities across the country during late June and early July. The activity at the nuclear sites, in particular, raises questions about whether Tehran has violated the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it signed with the United States on June 17, in which it committed to maintaining the 'status quo' in its nuclear program and refraining from developing nuclear weapons.
For weeks, satellite imagery providers blocked images of the region following a request from the US government. However, CNN was able to analyze the images after these restrictions were briefly lifted, before some were reimposed as US military operations resumed.
The network detected significant activity at a site within the Parchin military complex known as ‘Taleghan 2,' which experts believe is used to store explosive materials linked to nuclear weapons development. An analysis of the site, conducted in cooperation with the Institute for Science and International Security in Washington, showed repair and reconstruction work on several craters left by US and Israeli strikes, visible in images taken on June 22 and July 7.
At the Pickaxe Mountain site, suspected to be an underground nuclear facility, images taken on June 21 showed vehicles entering and exiting tunnels while the MoU was in effect.
A US Department of Defense official told CNN that the department would not discuss the circumstances of military operations or intelligence matters, in order to protect operational security.
