Fortified tunnels, repaired missile sites: Is Iran preparing for US strike? What satellite images show
Times of India
by TOI WORLD DESKFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Satellite imagery reveals Iran accelerating efforts to fortify key nuclear and missile sites, raising concerns about potential US military action. As tensions escalate, images captured between late 2024 and February 2026 show new concrete shielding, buried tunnel entrances, and reconstruction at missile bases previously targeted during the Israel-Iran conflict. These developments come amid heightened US military presence in the region and increasingly blunt rhetoric from Washington, with some reports suggesting a potential strike as soon as this weekend.
The Parchin military complex near Tehran has undergone significant changes. After being struck by Israel in October 2024, satellite images show rapid reconstruction efforts, including the creation of a hardened bunker. By mid-February 2026, the site was completely buried under concrete and soil, providing "significant protection from aerial strikes," according to experts. Similarly, at Isfahan’s nuclear complex, all three tunnel entrances have been backfilled with soil, likely to shield against attacks.
These actions highlight Iran's parallel strategy of fortifying its infrastructure while nuclear talks remain uncertain. The US has deployed its largest military presence in the Middle East since 2003, and President Trump is reportedly considering military options. While diplomacy continues to be a focus, the images offer a rare glimpse into Tehran’s preparedness for conflict.
This situation matters globally as it underscores the potential for escalating tensions between Iran and the US, with significant implications for regional stability and nuclear proliferation. The fortification of sites like Parchin and Isfahan raises questions about Iran's intentions and its ability to withstand military strikes. As international diplomacy hangs in the balance, these developments add another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/19/2026