Why Is Iran Covering Its Nuclear Facility Entrances? Analyzing the Implications of US Military Pressure

Recent analysis suggests that the entrance to the Isfahan nuclear facility in Iran, known to house uranium enrichment equipment, has been covered with dirt.

Despite Iran resuming nuclear talks with the U.S. after an eight-month hiatus, ongoing military pressure from American forces has led to speculation that Iran may be taking steps to protect its nuclear facilities in case of potential conflict.

According to a report released on the 9th by the U.S. think tank Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), satellite imagery from the previous day revealed that all three entrances to the underground nuclear facility in Isfahan, central Iran, were covered with dirt.

ISIS noted that no vehicle movement was detected around the entrances, suggesting that Iran appears to be seriously concerned about potential airstrikes or surprise attacks from the U.S. or Israel.

The report explains that Iran exhibited similar behavior just before the U.S. launched Operation Midnight Hammer last June, which involved sudden airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

ISIS added that blocking underground tunnel entrances with dirt could help mitigate the impact of airstrikes and make it more difficult for special forces to enter the tunnels to secure or destroy highly enriched uranium.

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Kim Ye-rin (yey@yna.co.kr)