Satellite images suggest Iran restoring missile network despite US strike claims
WASHINGTON, DC: Iran has rapidly restored access to a significant portion of its underground missile network following US and Israeli strikes, according to a new analysis of satellite imagery that highlights the resilience of Tehran’s military infrastructure.
The investigation, reported by CNN, found that Iranian crews used bulldozers, dump trucks and other basic equipment to clear bomb-damaged tunnel entrances at key missile facilities.
Of 69 entrances identified across 18 underground missile sites, Iran has reportedly reopened 50 since the conflict began.
The findings contrast with repeated assertions from the Trump administration that Iran’s military capabilities had been severely crippled by US military action.
Administration claimed missile program was crippled
President Donald Trump and senior administration officials have consistently argued that US strikes significantly weakened Iran’s missile forces and defense infrastructure.
Earlier this year, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Iran would be left “digging out” its remaining missile launchers and would have little ability to rebuild its arsenal.
However, satellite evidence cited in the report suggests Iranian forces continued efforts to restore access to underground facilities even while military operations were ongoing.
According to the report, excavation work continued despite repeated attacks on construction equipment used in the recovery effort.
The restoration reportedly enabled Iran to continue launching missiles during the conflict, although at a reduced pace.
Roads, military infrastructure repaired
Beyond reopening tunnel entrances, Iran has also repaired transportation routes damaged during the fighting.
Satellite imagery reportedly shows roads being restored, bomb craters filled, and in some cases entire sections of roadway repaved near strategic military sites.
Military analysts cited in the report argued that the recovery effort demonstrates the limitations of targeting tunnel entrances alone.
Some experts estimated that hundreds of missiles may still be stored within Iran’s extensive underground network.
The findings align with previous media reports citing intelligence assessments that questioned the extent of damage inflicted on Iran’s missile capabilities.
According to earlier reporting, classified evaluations concluded that Iran had regained access to a majority of its missile facilities, including many sites located near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
The assessments reportedly indicated that Iran retained a substantial share of its mobile launchers and missile inventory, while many underground storage and launch facilities had become partially or fully operational again following repair work.
Ceasefire talks continue amid tensions
The report comes as diplomatic efforts continue to preserve a fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.
Despite sporadic exchanges and continued tensions, discussions aimed at extending the ceasefire and creating a framework for future negotiations remain underway.
On Monday, Trump expressed optimism about the talks, saying Iran was eager to reach an agreement and urging critics to be patient as negotiations proceed.
The latest revelations about Iran’s recovery efforts are likely to intensify debate over the effectiveness of recent military operations and the long-term challenge of degrading deeply buried missile infrastructure.
