AFP: Western intelligence leans toward Iran building an undeclared uranium enrichment facility
- Satellite images reveal unprecedented acceleration in construction activities at the “Mount Fars” site
Satellite imagery has revealed a clear acceleration in construction activities during 2026 at an underground Iranian site near the Natanz nuclear facility, with Western intelligence agencies believing that Tehran is building an undisclosed uranium enrichment facility at the location, according to a report by the “Agence France-Presse” (AFP) on Wednesday.
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The site, known as “Mount Fars,” is located near Natanz. It is a buried facility situated at a significant depth beneath the mountain, and has been monitored for years via satellite imagery due to suspicions surrounding its purpose.
AFP relied on an analysis published by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), which examined satellite images spanning six years, the latest of which were captured on August 9.
CSIS analysts stated that the images show activity on the roads leading to “Mount Fars” during 2026 exceeding any previously recorded levels at the site, alongside a clear increase in construction work.
The analysis clarified that the activity included raising and fortifying tunnel entrances, paving the internal road network, reinforcing areas surrounding the entrances, and leveling and clearing excavation debris, indicating a transition from the excavation phase to potential internal construction activities while continuing to strengthen external facilities.
However, CSIS analysts emphasized that satellite imagery alone is insufficient to prove the nature of activities inside the tunnels, and cannot confirm or refute Israeli intelligence reports alleging that Iran has transferred centrifuges and their components to “Mount Fars.”
These developments come as the site attracts increasing attention due to its proximity to the Natanz facility, with Western intelligence agencies believing that Iran is working to establish an undisclosed uranium enrichment facility within it.
