U.S. National Security and Middle East Policy

Planet Labs satellite imagery shows Iran erected new roofs over the bombed above‑ground enrichment hall at Natanz (started and completed in December) and over a damaged centrifuge‑manufacturing‑linked structure at the Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center (finished in early January 2026), while two nearby tunnels were refilled with dirt and a third had its entrance reinforced. Experts say the coverings appear intended not for reconstruction but to let Iran recover any surviving highly enriched uranium or other key assets out of view of U.S./Israeli satellites and while IAEA inspectors are barred, as the U.S. weighs further action.