Iran fortifies nuclear sites, rebuilds missile arsenal as it prepares for the next war - analysis

Iran is fortifying its nuclear sites and rebuilding missile and drone capabilities in preparation for potential renewed conflict with the US or Israel, according to satellite imagery and reports. The WSJ reports Tehran is reinforcing defenses, rallying loyalists, and threatening a harsher response against the US and Gulf allies. Iran has built dirt mounds around Natanz and Pickaxe Mountain nuclear sites to impede ground raids. The regime continues to threaten shipping via the Strait of Hormuz and has hinted at land incursions into neighboring countries following the US withdrawal from Iraq.

Iran is actively fortifying its nuclear sites and rebuilding its missile and drone arsenal in preparation for a potential renewed war with the US or Israel, according to a Wall Street Journal report published Monday. Satellite images analyzed by the Institute for Science and International Security show Iran has built makeshift dirt mounds around its Pickaxe Mountain and Natanz nuclear sites to impede any attempted ground raid. The regime is also rallying loyalists and threatening a wider, harsher response against the US and its Gulf allies. Tehran has separately warned Arab officials it could strike regional targets, including Saudi oil facilities, in the event of renewed conflict. Iran continues to threaten shipping via the Strait of Hormuz, and Iranian officials have hinted at possible land incursions into neighboring countries following the US withdrawal from Iraq on September 30. The regime is preparing the civilian population for war by sending paramilitary forces to read war stories to kindergartners and advertising training in firing shoulder-mounted anti-aircraft missiles. The report quotes Behnam Ben Taleblu of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, who says the Islamic Republic is actively preparing for the next war. The analysis notes that Iran has likely learned lessons from the 12 Day War in June 2025 and the round of strikes from February to May 2026.