New satellite imagery indicates recent activity at Iran’s Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant (PFEP) at Natanz, a uranium enrichment facility that was damaged during June’s 12-day conflict with Israel, when U.S. and Israeli strikes hit several Iranian nuclear sites.
The U.S.-based Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) said the imagery raises fresh questions about whether Iran may be taking steps to restore or recover parts of its nuclear program. According to the group, the work appears aimed at shielding the damaged area while enabling access to the site—an approach that, it argues, adds to ongoing uncertainty about Tehran’s intentions.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry was contacted for comment by email.
Why It Matters
PFEP at Natanz is a significant node in Iran’s nuclear complex and has been associated with advanced enrichment research and development. ISIS said the facility “likely held several kilograms of highly enriched uranium,” adding that such an amount is “not negligible” when assessing Iran’s broader nuclear capabilities.
The apparent renewed activity comes as the United States and Israel continue to express concern that Iran’s nuclear program—despite Tehran’s insistence it has never sought nuclear weapons—could shorten the path to weapons-grade capability. The strikes during the June conflict, followed by a ceasefire agreed on June 24, underscored the strategic importance of these sites and the risks tied to any recovery effort.
What to Know
ISIS, which focuses on nuclear nonproliferation, said satellite imagery from December 13 shows panels placed atop what remains of an anti-drone structure over PFEP, creating added cover over the damaged area.
The group noted that, while the structure appears partially sealed, a large hole remains where the protective “drone cage” was breached. It suggested the new covering could allow Iran to examine debris or retrieve material while reducing outside visibility. “This indicates Iran wants to explore the rubble out of sight of prying eyes,” the organization wrote.
ISIS said it posted the satellite image on X on Thursday to highlight what it described as renewed activity at the site.
Other Sites Appear Quiet
ISIS said it has not observed comparable signs of activity at other major nuclear locations, including the underground Fordow facility, which it said was also damaged during June’s strikes. The focus on PFEP, the group suggested, may reflect its role in research and development related to advanced centrifuges and enrichment processes.
IAEA Access Restrictions
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said inspectors have returned to some facilities, but remain barred from those struck by the United States.
“We are only allowed to access sites that were not hit,” he told Russia’s RIA Novosti earlier this week.
What People Are Saying
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said this week: “We are only allowed to access sites that were not hit. These other three sites—Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow—are even more significant, since they still contain substantial amounts of nuclear material and equipment, and we need to return there.”
U.S. President Donald Trump said earlier this month: “Forget about the nuclear. The nuclear is gone. But look at the damage they’ve suffered, the death that they’ve suffered. They could have had a deal where nobody would have died.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said last week: “We are confronted with a broad front in a propaganda war; we are in a spiritual war.”
What Happens Next?
Any signs of work at PFEP are likely to intensify international scrutiny, with satellite monitoring and diplomatic pressure centered on whether Iran can rebuild enrichment-related capabilities. Access for inspectors to the struck sites will be a key factor in evaluating what has been damaged, what remains, and what Iran may do next—along with the wider implications for regional security.
