Iran has constructed a large concrete cover over a new facility at its sensitive Parchin military complex, according to newly released satellite images, as tensions with the United States continue to escalate.
The images show the structure being covered with soil, effectively turning it into a reinforced bunker. The development comes amid concerns of possible aerial strikes and growing military pressure in the region.
Located about 30 km southeast of Tehran, Parchin is one of Iran's most sensitive military sites. Western intelligence agencies have previously alleged that Iran carried out experiments there related to nuclear weapons more than two decades ago. Tehran has consistently denied seeking nuclear arms, maintaining that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes.
Satellite imagery suggests that the site was damaged in an Israeli strike in October 2024. Subsequent images show reconstruction work, followed by the recent addition of what experts describe as a “concrete sarcophagus” around a newly built facility identified as Taleghan 2.
The Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), a Washington-based think tank, said Iran appears to be burying and fortifying the structure to protect it from potential air attacks.
ISIS founder David Albright wrote on X: “Stalling the negotiations has its benefits: Over the last two to three weeks, Iran has been busy burying the new Taleghan 2 facility … More soil is available and the facility may soon become a fully unrecognizable bunker, providing significant protection from aerial strikes.”
Images also show Iran burying tunnel entrances at the Isfahan nuclear complex, one of the enrichment sites targeted by the US during last year's 12-day war between Israel and Iran. Entrances near Natanz, another key enrichment site, are also being reinforced.
Diplomatic Talks Continue
The developments come as Washington and Tehran attempt to revive nuclear deal negotiations. Officials from both countries met in Geneva earlier this week and agreed on broad “guiding principles”, but no major breakthrough was achieved.
The US is pushing for a broader agreement that would also limit Iran's ballistic missile programme and regional activities — demands strongly backed by Israel. Iran has said these issues are not open for negotiation, though it remains willing to discuss nuclear restrictions in exchange for sanctions relief.
Military Build-Up on Both Sides
While talks continue, military pressure is mounting.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) recently held naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz and announced joint exercises with Russia in the Sea of Oman.
The US has also strengthened its presence in the region. President Donald Trump has ordered a second aircraft carrier to the area. The USS Abraham Lincoln and its air wing are currently positioned hundreds of kilometres from Iran's coast.
The White House has warned Tehran to strike a deal, with Trump stating that military options remain on the table if negotiations fail.
With diplomacy and military posturing unfolding simultaneously, the situation remains highly volatile, raising fears of a wider regional confrontation.
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