Satellite imagery has revealed that Iran has so far managed to reopen 50 of the 69 tunnel entrances across 18 underground missile facilities targeted by the United States and Israel during the 40-day war.
According to CNN, satellite images reviewed by the network showed how Iran relied on relatively simple equipment, including bulldozers and dump trucks, to counter the American and Israeli campaign that sought to disable its underground missile infrastructure by destroying access roads and burying tunnel entrances.
Experts cited by the network said the developments suggest that Iran’s missile capabilities cannot be neutralised simply by targeting tunnel entrances. The findings also highlight the limitations of the American bombing strategy.
Analysts believe Tehran still retains around 1,000 missiles stored at underground sites, leaving it capable of resuming missile launches should hostilities restart.
CNN also quoted a US official as saying that Iran has exceeded all intelligence estimates regarding the speed at which it could restore its capabilities.
Rapid Reconstruction Efforts
Since the ceasefire agreement came into effect on 8 April, Iran has significantly accelerated excavation and reconstruction efforts at its military facilities.
Tehran has also repaired sections of other missile bases, including roads that had been targeted by US and Israeli strikes intended to prevent the use of missile launch platforms.
According to CNN, satellite images show that most bomb craters created during the conflict have now been filled in. At two separate sites, damaged roads have been completely repaved.
Experts noted that stockpiles located deep underground are unlikely to have suffered major damage from strikes focused primarily on surface targets. They pointed out that the Israeli military employed a similar strategy against tunnel entrances during last year’s 12-day war.
Isfahan Base Reopened After Heavy Bombardment
At one missile base outside Isfahan, the United States and Israel carried out multiple strikes during the war in an attempt to seal four tunnel entrances.
Satellite imagery showed at least 18 bomb craters around two of the entrances, highlighting the scale of the munitions used in efforts to block access.
However, by early May, new satellite images showed a dump truck being used to fill the craters. The two other entrances that had also been blocked by debris and bomb damage were reopened, while access roads previously destroyed by airstrikes were repaved and restored.
Construction Activity at Khomein Facility
At another base outside the city of Khomein, satellite imagery captured in mid-April showed at least 10 construction vehicles actively working to reopen one of the tunnel entrances.
The images indicate a sustained and organised effort to restore operational access to underground facilities despite extensive bombing campaigns.
Diplomatic Stalemate Continues
These developments come as diplomatic efforts remain stalled.
While officials on both sides continue to issue statements suggesting that an agreement may be within reach, Washington has also warned of a possible return to military action.
At the same time, mediation efforts continue to face obstacles as both parties remain committed to their respective demands and conditions for any future agreement.
