Natanz: Recent satellite images have revealed that Iran has blocked the entrances to the western tunnels of its secret “Axe Mountain” facility near the Natanz uranium enrichment site by erecting massive earthworks.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Iran constructed a series of earthworks at the entrances to the facility’s western tunnels in late June and early August 2026. These barriers were clearly visible in satellite images taken on August 21 and remained in place until September 11.

This Iranian move followed reports in late July indicating that Tehran had transferred centrifuges to the facility in anticipation of a war in June 2025, and came after public threats from US President Donald Trump that the United States might target Axe Mountain, one of the remaining key sites of Iran’s nuclear program that has not been damaged by previous strikes.

Axe Mountain is located approximately two kilometers south of the Natanz uranium enrichment facility and comprises a tunnel system deeply carved into a granite mountain range. Iran has previously claimed the complex is for installing centrifuges, but has not opened it for inspection by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The depth and fortifications of the facility have raised concerns that Tehran might also use it in the future for uranium enrichment or other nuclear activities.