Iran fortifies nuclear sites: Satellite images reveal ‘nuclear gold’ buried deeper amid US strike threats | World News

Tension in the Middle East reached its peak as Iran tried to strengthen its nuclear infrastructure against a possible large-scale attack by the USA. Recent satellite images with the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group in the Arabian Sea show Tehran hiding its nuclear assets, known as ‘Nuclear Gold’, deeper underground to withstand special bunker-busting bombs.

The rapid construction follows the devastating US-Israeli attack in June 2025. In this attack, 30,000-pound GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bombs were used to breach fortified facilities.

Strengthening of the Isfahan nuclear complex

Satellite analysis by David Albright and his team at the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) shows significant structural changes at the Isfahan Nuclear Complex.

deep sealing: Iranian engineers reportedly buried the tunnel entrances under large amounts of soil and rubble. There has been constant dump truck activity blocking major entry points to protect uranium enrichment centrifuges.

Repair of 2025 damage: Images from December 2025 to January 2026 reveal the gradual reconstruction of the roof of a building in Isfahan that was destroyed during Israeli attacks in June 2025.

Lessons learned: Experts believe these actions show that Iran has learned from past tactical failures. They aim to make enrichment centers almost “unreachable” by conventional air strikes.

Maritime tensions escalate in the Strait of Hormuz

While the U.S. Navy maintained a strong presence, Iran responded by mobilizing its naval resources.

drone carrier: Iran deployed its flagship unmanned aerial vehicle, Shahid Bagheri, located approximately 6 kilometers off the coast of Bandar Abbas.

herd tactics: The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) and Iranian state media report that hundreds of fast attack boats, missile launchers and support ships are advancing towards the US Carrier Strike Group.

Real fire exercises: The Revolutionary Guard Navy announced that a two-day live fire exercise will be held in the Strait of Hormuz on February 1-2. While rumors of joint exercises with Russia and China are circulating in Tehran, Moscow and Beijing, their participation has not yet been confirmed.

US Stance: Maximum Pressure 2.0

The deployment of USS Abraham Lincoln represents a major concentration of American firepower, with a large number of destroyers, advanced fighter wings, and a wide range of cruise missiles.

The Trump administration has taken a tough stance, pointing to Iran’s ongoing nuclear tensions and a violent crackdown on domestic protesters as reasons for the military buildup. The presence of the strike group is intended to serve as a deterrent and launch platform in the event of diplomatic borders being breached.

Global economic risks

Tension in the Strait of Hormuz threatens the world’s most critical oil transit route. Analysts warn that any direct military conflict could lead to a sudden increase in global energy prices and disrupt the international economy.

The situation remains in a tense stalemate, with both sides hurling offensive remarks at each other. Iran’s “hide and defend” strategy shows that they are preparing for a defensive war of attrition rather than an immediate attack.

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