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How Iran might be preparing itself for a potential US strike
#Iran#Nuclear Facilities#US-Iran Tensions#Military Drills#Satellite Imagery#Strait of Hormuz#Russian-Iran Cooperation#Defense Fortification
📌 Key Takeaways
Iran has fortified nuclear and defense facilities in preparation for potential US strikes
Satellite imagery shows structural repairs and hardening of tunnel entrances at key nuclear sites
Iran conducted joint military drills with Russia in the Gulf of Oman and Indian Ocean
Iran has repaired and fortified military complexes including Parchin and Tabriz Missile Base
Iran demonstrated naval capabilities including drone carrier deployments and missile launches
📖 Full Retelling
Sky News' Data and Forensics team has revealed that Iran has been fortifying its nuclear and defense facilities while conducting joint military drills with Russian forces in the Gulf of Oman and Indian Ocean, amid rising tensions with the United States military, according to satellite imagery analysis published on Saturday 21 February 2026. The satellite imagery, captured between December 2025 and January 2026, shows significant defensive preparations at key Iranian nuclear sites including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, which were damaged in strikes by Israel and the US in June 2025. David Albright, president of the Institute for Science and International Security, confirmed that these facilities show clear signs of preparation for potential attacks, with efforts to bury tunnel entrances and strengthen vulnerable points. Beyond nuclear facilities, Iran has been repairing and fortifying other critical military sites, with the Parchin military complex being covered in concrete and the Tabriz Missile Base fully repaired since Israeli strikes in June 2025. These preparations come alongside significant military activity, including joint Russian-Iranian drills on January 19 and Iranian naval exercises on February 16-17 that included missile launches and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
🏷️ Themes
Military Preparedness, Nuclear Tensions, Regional Power Dynamics
# Iran
**Iran**, officially the **Islamic Republic of Iran** and historically known as **Persia**, is a sovereign country situated in West Asia. It is a major regional power, ranking as the 17th-largest country in the world by both land area and population. Combining a rich historical legacy with a...
Strait between the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf
The Strait of Hormuz ( Persian: تنگهٔ هُرمُز Tangeh-ye Hormoz , Arabic: مَضيق هُرمُز Maḍīq Hurmuz) is a strait between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. It provides the only sea passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean and is one of the world's most strategically important choke points. ...
Iran is fortifying nuclear and military sites after US and Israeli strikes, signalling a potential escalation that threatens regional stability and challenges global non-proliferation efforts. The preparations also indicate Iran's readiness to defend against a possible US strike, raising concerns for international security.
Context & Background
Iran's nuclear sites were damaged by US and Israeli air strikes in June 2025
Satellite imagery shows backfilling of tunnel entrances and concrete hardening at Isfahan, Natanz and Fordow
Joint live drills with Russian forces in the Gulf of Oman demonstrate increased military coordination
The Shahid Bagheri drone carrier can deploy up to 60 drones near the Strait of Hormuz
Negotiations between the US and Iran over its nuclear programme are ongoing
What Happens Next
Iran is likely to continue fortifying its facilities and conducting joint exercises, while the US may adjust its naval posture in the region. International observers will monitor both sides for any signs of escalation or diplomatic breakthroughs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific measures has Iran taken at its nuclear sites?
Iran has backfilled tunnel entrances, hardened shafts, built concrete sarcophagi, and repaired damaged facilities at Isfahan, Natanz and Fordow.
How do the joint drills with Russia impact regional security?
They enhance Iran's operational coordination and signal deterrence, but Russia's limited capacity due to its war in Ukraine reduces the overall impact.
What is the significance of the Shahid Bagheri drone carrier?
The carrier can deploy up to 60 drones, posing a threat to shipping lanes and US naval vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Are there any indications of an imminent US strike?
No confirmed US strike has occurred; the analysis indicates Iran is preparing for a potential attack, but there is no evidence of imminent action.
Original Source
How Iran might be preparing itself for a potential US strike While talks continue between the US and Iran, Sky News' Data and Forensics team has been analysing Iran's preparations for potential strikes. By Lydia Morrish and Freya Gibson, OSINT producers Saturday 21 February 2026 07:55, UK 2:46 Share Three signs Iran could be preparing for a potential US strike Why you can trust Sky News Satellite images analysed by Sky News' Data and Forensics team show Iran has fortified its nuclear and defence facilities, alongside conducting live drills with Russian forces amid rising tensions with the US military. What we know about activity at Iran's nuclear facilities Iran appears to be fortifying defences at its nuclear plants and military facilities since strikes by Israel and the US in June 2025 damaged infrastructure at three key sites. Core enrichment activity remains constrained and under close international scrutiny. The main sites affected by last year's strikes were Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, Natanz enrichment facility and Isfahan Nuclear Fuel Complex. They are key to Iran's core nuclear infrastructure. The Isfahan Complex is in central Iran, 135 miles south of Tehran, near the city of Natanz. It is central to the nuclear fuel cycle, converting uranium into forms suitable for enrichment. Isfahan includes an underground area where diplomats say much of Iran's enriched uranium has been stored. Iran's authorities have always said they are not trying to develop nuclear weapons. Satellite images from 6 December 2025 to 24 January 2026 show structural repair and new efforts to bury tunnel entrances to the site. Satellite images show "efforts to prepare for an attack" from the US, said David Albright, founder and president of the Institute for Science and International Security nonprofit institution. He told Sky News: "At nuclear weaponisation sites, we see cleaning up and then, in some cases, rebuilding the facilities." He added: "You have this clear preparation in antic...
