Did Iran Secretly Rebuild Nuclear Sites? New Satellite Images Spark Fresh Speculation

Last Updated:July 11, 2026, 09:19 IST

The latest findings come weeks after Washington and Tehran signed a MoU aimed at ending hostilities and working towards a broader agreement to permanently end the conflict.

Fresh satellite imagery has raised questions over whether Iran may have breached the 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it signed with the United States in late June, under which Tehran reaffirmed that it would not pursue nuclear weapons.

According to a CNN investigation, satellite images analysed in collaboration with the Institute for Science and International Security indicate that Iran may be rebuilding suspected nuclear facilities. The reported activity comes as US President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire agreement with Tehran “over" and ordered fresh strikes on Iran earlier this week.

The findings have fuelled speculation over whether Iran violated the agreement even before the latest escalation between the two countries.

What the satellite images show?

According to the CNN report, one of the locations under scrutiny is the Parchin site, which is believed to house explosive material linked to nuclear weapons.

Before the joint US-Israeli military operation targeting Iran earlier this year, Tehran reportedly constructed a concrete shield around the facility, considering its strategic importance. The site was later damaged during the strikes.

The latest satellite images from June and July show reconstruction activity at the location.

With the MoU still in force during June, Iran appeared to have covered impact holes using temporary coverings. By July, those covers had reportedly been replaced with mesh, suggesting repair work was continuing.

Activity at Pickaxe Mountain

The report also focuses on Pickaxe Mountain, another location believed to be connected to Iran’s nuclear programme. Satellite images taken last month, shortly after the MoU was signed, show vehicles entering and leaving tunnels at the site.

Citing experts, CNN reported that such activity may be inconsistent with the commitments Iran made under the agreement with Washington and raises fresh concerns over possible violations.

Nuclear and missile sites

According to the report, major nuclear facilities at Isfahan, Fordow and Natanz do not appear to have been affected by the recent activity. However, satellite imagery also indicates that Iran has begun work at some of its missile storage facilities.

Along with Tehran’s nuclear programme, the United States and its allies have repeatedly expressed concern over Iran’s missile capabilities. The latest images suggest that repairs have also started at several missile-related sites.

What the US-Iran MoU says?

The latest findings come weeks after Washington and Tehran signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at ending hostilities and working towards a broader agreement to permanently end the conflict.

Besides provisions covering safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of the US naval blockade on Iranian ports, the agreement included Iran’s commitment not to procure or develop nuclear weapons.

The MoU states that “The Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms that it shall not procure or develop nuclear weapons." It also says both countries agreed to resolve the issue of Iran’s stockpiled enriched material through a mutually agreed mechanism under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The agreement further provides that both sides would discuss enrichment and other nuclear-related issues as part of negotiations towards a final deal.

However, the newly released satellite imagery has raised fresh questions over whether Iran may have breached the MoU only days after signing it, even before the latest round of US military action.

About the Author

Shuddhanta Patra

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen...Read More

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