Surge in construction at Iran's nuclear site: "US developing strike capabilities" | CNN report

Recent satellite images reveal a sharp increase in construction at Iran's underground nuclear facility, Mount Makosh, during 2026. CNN reports, based on analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), that the construction acceleration occurs amid the ongoing war, and there are signs the US is developing specialized strike capabilities against the facility, which is resistant to the most powerful bunker busters.

CNN reports a sharp increase in construction at Iran's underground nuclear site, Mount Makosh, during 2026. The report, based on satellite imagery from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), indicates an acceleration in construction concurrent with the ongoing war that broke out on February 28, 2026. The site, located in the Zagros Mountains near the Natanz facility, is considered resistant to the most powerful bunker busters. The report claims there are signs that the US is developing specialized strike capabilities for the site, even though US military forces have focused on other targets during the war. Four days before the start of Operation 'Epic Fury', a Pentagon program manager signed an emergency contract worth $1.2 million to repair an underground test facility in New Mexico for live-fire testing against emerging threats. Three sources told CNN that the plans are related to developing strike capabilities for the deepest underground facilities in Iran.