Satellite Images Confirm Construction at Iran nuclear Sites Following Strikes
Recent satellite imagery analyzed by BBC Verify confirms ongoing construction activity at several Iranian nuclear facilities targeted in a recent strike. The images reveal work underway at the Isfahan nuclear plant, as well as the Natanz enrichment facility, sites previously reported to have sustained damage.
The strikes, confirmed by iran and attributed by U.S. officials to Israel, raised concerns about escalation in the region and the future of Iran’s nuclear programme. While initial reports focused on the extent of the damage, these images provide the first visual evidence of Iran actively working to rebuild and potentially reinforce these sensitive sites. This growth comes amid heightened international tensions and ongoing negotiations surrounding Iran’s nuclear capabilities, with implications for global security and the potential for further conflict.
According to BBC Verify’s analysis, construction is visible at the Isfahan plant, which houses a uranium enrichment facility and is also involved in the production of components for centrifuges. At Natanz, another key enrichment site, images show activity around the facility’s heavily fortified underground complex.
Flight tracking data previously examined by BBC Verify showed a circuitous route taken by Israeli prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plane on a recent trip, sparking speculation that the route was deliberately chosen to avoid countries with International Criminal Court (ICC) signatories who might be obligated to arrest him under a warrant related to alleged war crimes. Netanyahu has denied these allegations. Countries like France, Spain, the UK, and the Republic of Ireland are signatories to the ICC statute and could be legally required to arrest Netanyahu if he enters their territory. Flight records indicate Netanyahu’s plane routinely overflew France before the ICC warrant was issued in November 2024.
French diplomatic sources confirmed to BBC Verify that France authorized Netanyahu’s flight to overfly its territory, but the final route was steadfast by Israeli authorities. Spain, which recognized a Palestinian state last year, has announced support for ICC investigations into alleged human rights abuses in Gaza. The Spanish foreign ministry declined to comment on potential actions had Netanyahu’s flight entered its airspace.
