Iran Digs New Tunnels Near Key Missile Sites, Satellite Data Shows

Iran is constructing new underground facilities near at least two major missile sites, according to satellite imagery released this week. The images show extensive digging and new structures at the Garmdareh military base in Karaj, located near Tehran, and the Shahroud base in the north. These developments suggest the country is prioritizing the hardening of its military infrastructure against further air strikes.

Analysts at MAIAR, a British intelligence firm that reviewed the photos for BBC Verify, identified the new construction. They also found signs of repairs at at least 12 other military locations. At the Kermanshah missile base in western Iran, near the Iraqi border, new roofs have been installed on destroyed buildings. At the Parchin complex east of the capital, crews have cleared debris and leveled damaged structures. At the Taleghan 2 facility within Parchin, analysts say significant construction is complete, including concrete reinforcement of an underground bunker.

Jim Lamson, a former CIA analyst, said the excavations near Shahroud may relate to missile production. He noted that the IRGC is likely moving facilities underground because the nearby air base has been targeted multiple times. A MAIAR analyst observed that Iran has a consistent pattern of moving infrastructure below ground to shield it from strikes. Mark Mellett, a defence analyst and former head of the Irish military, added that underground facilities make it harder for outside observers to assess operational status.

Sam Lair, a research analyst at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, stated that images from Karaj appear to show a new portal for an underground facility. Multiple vehicles were visible in the satellite data for that area, and improvements have been made to the nearby airbase. New construction and excavations were also identified outside tunnel entrances near Qom, close to the Fordo uranium enrichment complex.

Sean O'Connor, an analyst with the intelligence firm Janes, said the work is unlikely to be a deception effort. He argued that such a large-scale project would be costly and might achieve little if it were merely meant to mislead foreign intelligence agencies. The activity indicates Tehran is bracing for further attacks rather than trying to hide its capabilities.

The construction comes after the White House claimed that recent US-Israeli attacks depleted Iran's armed forces. A Pentagon spokesperson stated that the US destroyed up to 90% of Iran's drone, ballistic missile, and naval industrial base. President Donald Trump described the Iranian military as a complete and total mess. However, Iran claims it retains large stockpiles of missiles.

State television broadcast footage this week showing dozens of missiles at the entrance of an underground facility in southern Iran. In August, similar footage claimed to show Khordad surface-to-air missiles emerging from a tunnel near Bandar Abbas. Mark Cancian, a military analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the military activity shows Tehran is prioritizing the rebuilding of military capability over economic rehabilitation.

The renewed construction follows speculation that the US could resume attacks after the midterm elections held earlier this week. Vice-President JD Vance cited the war's unpopularity with voters as a factor in the Republicans' poor performance. He said the conflict may have cost his party control of the Senate for the next six years.