Iran rebuilding missile sites and moving infrastructure underground to evade strikes
Satellite imagery shows construction and excavation work at several Iranian military installations following recent airstrikes.
Iran is rapidly rebuilding military infrastructure damaged by months of US and Israeli airstrikes, according to a Times of India report citing BBC Verify. Satellite images from November show construction and digging at the Garmdareh base in Karaj and the Shahroud base in northern Iran.
Analysts from the British intelligence company MAIAR told BBC Verify that at least 12 other military sites, including airbases and missile complexes, showed signs of reconstruction. An MAIAR analyst stated that Iran has shown a pattern of moving infrastructure underground to protect it from further strikes.
Former CIA analyst Jim Lamson told BBC Verify that digging near Shahroud could be linked to missile production. He suggested the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps may be attempting to relocate production facilities underground after airstrikes on a nearby airbase.
US President Donald Trump confirmed on Friday that the US military carried out limited strikes against an Iranian air defence system on Qeshm Island. Trump described the operation as "minor", stating the US knocked out an anti-aircraft device in about five to 15 minutes.
Diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation are increasing, with Qatar presenting proposals to bring Washington and Tehran back to negotiations regarding the Iranian nuclear programme. Tehran has demanded sanctions relief, an end to the US blockade, and compensation for war damage before agreeing to talks.
