Fresh satellite images have sparked new concerns that Iran may be rebuilding suspected nuclear-related facilities, despite a commitment made to the United States last month that it would not pursue nuclear weapons.
The images, analysed by CNN together with the Institute for Science and International Security, suggest that repair work has begun at several locations linked to Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes. The findings have renewed debate over whether Tehran remained committed to the nuclear-related promises outlined in the 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Washington in June.
The developments come amid rising tensions after US President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire “over” earlier this week and ordered fresh military strikes on Iran following continued attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Satellite Images Show Activity at Parchin Site
One of the locations highlighted in the report is Parchin, a military complex long suspected by Western intelligence agencies of hosting activities linked to nuclear weapons development.
According to the analysis, Iran had reinforced a key structure at the site with a concrete protective shield before it was damaged during joint US-Israeli airstrikes earlier this year. The latest satellite photographs taken in June and July now indicate that repair work is underway.
The images reportedly show impact holes being covered with temporary materials in June, before more permanent mesh coverings appeared in July, suggesting reconstruction efforts were progressing while the MoU remained in force.
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Pickaxe Mountain Also Shows Signs of Movement
The report also points to renewed activity at Pickaxe Mountain, another location believed to be connected to Iran’s nuclear programme.
Satellite images captured shortly after the MoU was signed reportedly show vehicles regularly entering and leaving tunnel entrances at the site. Experts quoted by CNN believe this activity could be inconsistent with the commitments Iran made under the agreement.
While the imagery does not confirm the exact purpose of the movements, analysts say the activity has raised fresh concerns about ongoing work at sensitive facilities.
Major Nuclear Facilities Appear Unchanged
Despite the activity at some locations, the report says Iran’s major nuclear facilities at Isfahan, Fordow and Natanz do not appear to have undergone significant new construction or repair work in the latest images.
However, satellite photographs suggest that Tehran has started repairing several missile storage sites damaged during earlier military operations. Western governments have repeatedly expressed concern not only about Iran’s nuclear ambitions but also about its expanding missile programme.
What the US-Iran Memorandum Says
The latest findings come only weeks after Washington and Tehran signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at reducing tensions and laying the foundation for a broader peace agreement.
The deal covered several major issues, including maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, easing restrictions affecting Iranian ports, and nuclear commitments from Tehran.
As part of the agreement, Iran pledged not to develop or obtain nuclear weapons and agreed to discuss the future of its enriched nuclear material under international supervision.
The MoU states, “The Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms that it shall not procure or develop nuclear weapons. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America have agreed to resolve the disposition of stockpiled enriched material pursuant to a mechanism that will be mutually agreed upon, in accordance with the schedule mentioned in paragraph 7, with the minimum methodology to be down blending on-site, under the supervision of the IAEA. The two Parties also agree to discuss the issue of enrichment, and other mutually agreed matters relating to the Islamic Republic of Iran’s nuclear needs, based on a satisfactory framework being agreed upon in the final Deal. The final Deal will confirm the provisions of this paragraph. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America acknowledge the critical importance of the nuclear issues above mentioned and express their intentions to immediately address these issues in the negotiations in order to achieve mutual agreement on them.”
Fresh Questions Over Iran’s Compliance
Although the satellite imagery does not provide direct proof that Iran is developing nuclear weapons, analysts say the reconstruction work at sensitive sites has raised new doubts about whether Tehran fully honoured its commitments under the June agreement.
The latest developments are likely to increase international scrutiny as the US and its allies continue to monitor Iran’s nuclear and missile activities through satellite surveillance and intelligence assessments.
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First published on: Jul 11, 2026 10:04 AM IST
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