By Sarah Burkhard, Spencer Faragasso, and the Good ISIS Team

February 9, 2026

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High resolution satellite imagery taken yesterday shows the extent to which Iran has covered the tunnel entrances at the Esfahan nuclear complex with soil (see Figure 1). The middle and southern entrances are unrecognizable and fully covered in soil (see Figure 2).  The northernmost tunnel entrance which features additional passive defense measures is backfilled with soil (see Figure 3).  No more vehicle activity is seen around the three entrances.  

It appears clear that the Iranians are seriously concerned about a US/Israeli aerial attack and/or raid against this particularly hardened nuclear facility.  Backfilling the tunnel entrances would help dampen any potential airstrike and also make ground access in a special forces raid to seize or destroy any highly enriched uranium that may be housed inside difficult.  It is also possible that Iran could have moved equipment or material into the tunnels to protect them, although this cannot be confirmed.  Preparations like these were last observed in the days before Operation Midnight Hammer struck facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. 

Figure 1.  An overview of the tunnel entrances to the underground complex at Esfahan. All three tunnel entrances are backfilled with earth. 


Figure 2. Above is a view of the Middle tunnel entrance. The probable utilities alcove and the tunnel entrance are completely buried. Below is a view of the Southern tunnel entrance. More soil has been added over the tunnel entrance, completely burying it. 

Figure 3.  A view of the Northern tunnel entrance. It is now backfilled with earth, blocking internal access.