Iran reconstructing nuclear test-linked Taleghan 2 site after IDF strikes, satellite imagery shows

Satellite imagery shows Iran restoring the heavily damaged Taleghan 2 facility and adding apparent protection against future strikes.Follow us on GoogleSatellite imagery showing Iran rebuilding the Taleghan 2 nuclear bomb testing facility southeast of Tehran, September 2026.(photo credit: Vantor Technologies and Institute for Science and International Security)SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 09:33New satellite imagery from Vantor Technologies appeared to show the Iranian regime rapidly attempting to reconstruct the Taleghan 2 facility in the Parchin military complex, the Institute for Science and International Security stated on Thursday.The facility is located approximately 30 kilometers southeast of Tehran. It was initially destroyed in Israeli strikes in October 2024, before being partially rebuilt starting in May 2025. Israel again struck it in March 2026 during Operation Roaring Lion, and it has been heavily damaged since.The satellite imagery appears to show the regime having erected a tarp above the hardened buried facility, which has been tied to nuclear bomb testing as part of Iran's AMAD program.The tarp seems to be an attempt to hide reconstruction activity from satellite view or aerial reconnaissance, the institute assessed.Satellite imagery showing Iran rebuilding the Taleghan 2 nuclear bomb testing facility southeast of Tehran, September 2026. (credit: Vantor Technologies and Institute for Science and International Security)This assessment was boosted by significant activity being seen throughout the construction site, including various construction vehicles, such as dump trucks, bulldozers, concrete pump trucks, concrete mixers, and cranes being seen at the site in the latest satellite imagery.The "repair and rehabilitation work began in June," the institute stated.The first step Iran took in its reconstruction project was to repair and place concrete caps over penetration holes caused by bunker-buster heavy bombs dropped on the facility, the institute said.Iran reinforces nuke test facility with 'concrete apron' during reconstruction projectIran also appears to have built a new "concrete apron reinforcement on the right side of the facility," the institute said, adding that it will "provide additional blast protection from an aerial attack.""Significant questions remain as to Iran's plans for the facility; not least is why Iran keeps rebuilding it," the institute stated."What is clear is that Iran remains committed to rebuilding this facility, a deeply concerning development considering the long history of nuclear weapons research and development activities that occurred there," it warned.Follow us on Google