Iran Covers All Entrances to Isfahan Nuclear Facility with Soil

Iran has completely buried all entrances to the tunnel complex at the nuclear facility in Isfahan.

High-resolution satellite images from February 8, 2026, confirm the extent of the work, according to the Institute for Science and International Security.

The central and southern entrances are now entirely covered and no longer visible under a thick layer of soil.

The northernmost entrance, where additional passive defense measures had previously been installed, has also been covered with soil. In addition, additional earth was piled on the northern section to thicken the protective layer above the tunnel. These steps have effectively cut off all access to the facility’s interior.

Analysts at the Institute report that no vehicle activity is visible around the three entrances.

In addition to the tunnels themselves, other infrastructure elements have also been covered with soil. In particular, a likely communications section and an underground pipeline have been completely buried.

Why did Iran bury the entrances?

Such measures indicate serious concern in Iran about a possible airstrike by the United States or Israel, or a raid by special forces.

Covering the entrances with soil is intended to help mitigate the impact of a potential airstrike. It would also significantly complicate ground access to the facility in the event of an attempt to seize or destroy nuclear materials.

It is possible that Iran moved equipment or materials into the tunnels for protection before sealing the entrances. However, it is currently impossible to confirm the presence of highly enriched uranium inside.

Experts note that similar preparations have been observed in the past.

Similar activity was recorded a few days before Operation Midnight Hammer, when facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan were targeted.

This suggests that the current measures are a direct response to the threat of a new military operation. The facility is now at maximum protection against external interference.