Iran is taking protective measures at its nuclear facilities in the city of Isfahan, at a time of heightened tension with the United States
Recent satellite images reveal that the Iranian regime completely covered the entrances to three tunnels at the local nuclear complex, filling them with dirt to the point of making them unrecognizable – including the northern entrance, which already had extra security reinforcements.
There is no longer any vehicle movement in the area.
According to analysts at the Institute for Science and International Security in Washington, this action clearly demonstrates that Tehran fears a possible air attack from the United States or Israel, or even an incursion by special forces to invade the site and destroy or capture stocks of highly enriched uranium stored there.
By sealing the entrances, Iran reduces the risk of damage from bombings and makes any access by land extremely difficult.
There are suspicions that sensitive materials or equipment may have been transferred into these tunnels as a precaution, although nothing has been officially confirmed.
This move comes shortly after the first indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States, held in Muscat, capital of Oman – the first since the military attacks in June 2025, which caused serious damage to Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.
The Iranian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, described the dialogue as a “good start” but emphasized the need to overcome deep distrust of American intentions.
On the Iranian nuclear program side, Mohammad Eslami stated that the country is willing to lower the uranium enrichment level to 60% in exchange for the total end of sanctions.
It is important to remember that, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency, more than 400 kilograms of highly enriched Iranian uranium – enough to manufacture several nuclear weapons if processed – disappeared after those attacks in 2025, which greatly increased international concerns.
At the same time, the United States Department of Transportation issued an urgent warning for American-flagged commercial ships sailing through the Strait of Hormuz.
The guidance is clear: maintain maximum distance from Iranian territorial waters due to tensions in the region.
In the event of an approach by Iranian forces, captains must identify themselves, refuse any boarding if it is safe to do so, avoid physical resistance and make it clear that this does not mean recognizing Iranian authority over the ship.
Meanwhile, countries in the region such as Türkiye, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have defended the continuation of diplomatic talks to avoid further escalation and seek a peaceful solution.
However, the environment remains very tense, with harsh statements from American officials and military movements in the Middle East, including reported preparations by Israel.
In short, the sealing of the tunnels in Isfahan and the American warning in the Strait of Hormuz show a moment of extreme caution and mutual distrust, even with nuclear negotiations underway.
Published in 02/11/2026 10h36
Text adapted by AI (Grok) and translated via Google API in the English version. Images from public image libraries or credits in the caption.
Reference article: