News
Iran strengthens subterranean facility close to key nuclear location, according to satellite imagery
Amid ongoing discussions between Iranian and US officials regarding Iran’s nuclear program, the situation remains highly strained.
Recent satellite imagery has revealed that Iran is bolstering an underground complex situated near one of its nuclear facilities, sparking concerns about the country's nuclear activities.

This development comes amidst ongoing negotiations between Iranian and US officials, with President Donald Trump warning of potential military action against Iran if a new agreement on its nuclear program is not reached.
Analysis by the Institute for Science and International Security, a US-based think tank, has identified the reinforcement of tunnel entrances at Mount Kolang Gaz La, also known as Pickaxe Mountain, in the satellite images.
Experts speculate that the facility may be intended to safeguard Iran's uranium enrichment operations or vital equipment, although its precise purpose and operational status remain unknown.
Iran maintains that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes and denies any intention to develop nuclear weapons.
In June 2025, President Trump stated that Iran was merely a month away from acquiring a nuclear weapon, prompting US strikes on three underground nuclear sites where centrifuges were producing highly enriched uranium during a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran.
According to Trump, the strikes had effectively eliminated Iran's enrichment capabilities, but Iranian officials were considering the establishment of a new site.
Pickaxe Mountain was not targeted in the US and Israeli air strikes in June 2025; however, the nearby Natanz nuclear facility, located approximately 2km north, was hit.
A satellite image from February 10 shows what appears to be freshly laid concrete at one of the Pickaxe Mountain entrance areas.
Analysts from the Institute for Science and International Security and the UK-based intelligence analysis firm Maiar have identified a boom pump at the location, which is used to deliver concrete.
At another tunnel entrance, analysts have observed that rock and soil have been cleared and leveled, and a new concrete-reinforced structure has been constructed nearby.
Experts believe that these modifications are aimed at strengthening the tunnel entrances and providing additional protection against potential air strikes.
The continued presence of heavy construction equipment and materials at the facility suggests that it is not yet operational, according to the Institute for Science and International Security.
The think tank notes that Iran has previously linked the construction of the facility to the rebuilding of an advanced centrifuge assembly plant, but the facility's size and location within the mountain have raised concerns about potential additional sensitive activities.
Satellite imagery has also revealed repair work and defensive strengthening at the nearby Natanz nuclear site and the Isfahan nuclear complex, located 125km to the north, in recent weeks.
At the Isfahan site, all tunnel entrances now appear to be sealed with earth, according to satellite images analyzed by the Institute for Science and International Security.
This sealing of the tunnel entrances would help to mitigate the effects of an air strike and enhance defense against a land-based assault to seize or destroy highly enriched uranium, according to the think tank.

A new roof has been constructed at the Isfahan nuclear site, which was damaged in an Israeli strike last year and is believed to have been used for centrifuge manufacture.
Above-ground construction is also visible at the Natanz nuclear facility, where a roof has been built over a damaged anti-drone cage at an enrichment plant between early December and January.
The Institute for Science and International Security believes that the roof was added to obstruct the view of anyone attempting to observe Iran's activities beneath it.

Professor Sina Azodi, director of the Middle East Studies Program at George Washington University, remarks that Iran is taking precautions to protect its facilities, assuming that further attacks are likely.
Azodi notes that the Iranian nuclear program has not been completely destroyed and that the country has the capacity to rebuild it.
Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, has stated that a new nuclear deal between Iran and the US is possible and urgently needed.
In an interview at the Munich Security Conference, Grossi emphasized that there is a window of opportunity for a new agreement, but it may close abruptly if not seized promptly.
Grossi also believes that Iran's estimated 400kg of highly enriched uranium, which is close to weapons-grade, remains stored in the underground tunnels and chambers where the US deployed bunker-busting bombs last June.
Entertainment And Arts
Spielberg Contributes $25,000 to Van Der Beek’s $2 Million Crowdfunding Campaign
The relatives of the deceased actor, known for his role in Dawson’s Creek, have expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the $2m fund.
A donation of $25,000 (£21,000) has been made by film director Steven Spielberg and his wife, Kate Capshaw, to a GoFundMe campaign that has raised over $2m (£1.6m) for the family of late actor James Van Der Beek.

Van Der Beek, who passed away at the age of 48, is survived by his wife Kimberly and their six children, and the crowdfunding effort to support his family has now exceeded its initial target of $2m.
Other notable donors include Oscar-winning actress Zoe Saldana, who contributed $2,500 (£2,108), and director Jon M Chu, who gave $10,000 (£8,432) to the cause.
A statement from the organizers of the fundraiser, Friends of the Van Der Beek family, expressed gratitude to all contributors, stating that their support is deeply appreciated.
The statement highlighted the significance of the donations, saying that the kindness shown by contributors is beyond words.
It also noted that the outpouring of support has been a source of comfort during a difficult time, serving as a reminder of the power of love, community, and the enduring legacy of James Van Der Beek.
Van Der Beek was perhaps best known for his starring role in the popular US teen drama series Dawson's Creek, which aired from 1998 to 2003, although he remained associated with the show until 2023.
Although Van Der Beek and Spielberg never collaborated on a project, the late actor's character in Dawson's Creek was a fan of Spielberg's work, with posters of films like ET and Schindler's List featured in his bedroom.
At a Dawson's Creek cast reunion event last year, Spielberg paid tribute to Van Der Beek by sending a video message.
In the message, Spielberg said, "Dawson, you made it," and jokingly added that he hoped to one day have a room like Dawson's, filled with memorabilia from his films.
Van Der Beek passed away on Wednesday after a battle with bowel cancer.

He had been dealing with the diagnosis since August 2023 and publicly disclosed his condition in November 2024.
The GoFundMe campaign was launched to help the family with medical expenses, which had depleted their funds.
The statement from the organizers concluded by saying that the family is currently taking time to grieve and be together, and thanked everyone for their compassionate and generous support in honoring James Van Der Beek's life.
News
Zimbabwe Shocks Australia with Muzarabani’s Exceptional Performance
Zimbabwe secured a stunning 23-run victory over Australia in the T20 World Cup, with Blessing Muzarabani playing a key role by taking 4-17.
In the current T20 world rankings, Zimbabwe occupies the 12th position.
The Men's T20 World Cup is underway in Group B at Colombo.
Zimbabwe's innings concluded at 169-2 after 20 overs, with Bennett scoring an unbeaten 64 off 56 deliveries, while Green claimed 1-6.
Australia's reply ended at 146 after 19.3 overs, as Renshaw top-scored with 65 off 44 balls, and Muzarabani took 4-17.
The match resulted in a 23-run victory for Zimbabwe.
A standout performance from Blessing Muzarabani, who took 4-17, helped Zimbabwe secure a thrilling 23-run win over Australia in the T20 World Cup.
After being set a target of 170, Australia found themselves in trouble at 29-4, but a 77-run partnership between Matthew Renshaw and Glenn Maxwell for the fifth wicket gave them hope.
With 34 runs needed from the last two overs, Renshaw's dismissal for 65, caught off Muzarabani with eight balls remaining, essentially sealed the game's outcome.
The result has left Group B finely balanced after two matches each, with Australia trailing Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka by two points, ahead of their meeting with Sri Lanka on Monday.
Initially, Zimbabwe's approach to batting first at the R. Premadasa Stadium appeared overly cautious.
Brian Bennett's innings of 64 not out from 56 balls, including seven fours, was played at a strike rate of 114.28, as he anchored the Zimbabwean batting.
In contrast, Tadiwanashe Marumani and Ryan Burl adopted a more aggressive approach, scoring 35 off 21 and 30 balls, respectively.
A late surge from Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza, who scored 25 off 13 balls, including the team's only six on the final ball, provided a boost to their total.
Australia's target seemed achievable, given their total of 182-6 in their previous win against Ireland.
However, the Australian batting line-up was severely dented by the loss of key wickets, including Josh Inglis, Travis Head, Cameron Green, and Tim David, courtesy of Muzarabani and Brad Evans.
A partnership between Renshaw and Maxwell offered some respite, but when Maxwell fell for 31, dragged on to Burl, the pressure mounted on Australia.
Muzarabani's return to bowl the penultimate over proved decisive, as he removed Renshaw, and Zimbabwe subsequently wrapped up the win.
There are calls for the ICC to review the rules regarding 12th men.
For more information, including notifications and social media updates, visit BBC Sport.
A blogger who participates in the FPL is also competing in the T20 World Cup.
News
FA Cup Finalists Outside the Big Six Since 2008
As the FA Cup resumes this weekend, assess your understanding of past finalists that have competed from beyond the Premier League’s top six clubs.
This weekend, the FA Cup resumes with 32 teams remaining in contention for the historic trophy, which has been awarded for 155 years and will be presented to the winner in May.
Historically, the Premier League's top six clubs – Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham – have dominated the FA Cup, claiming 32 titles out of the last 37.
However, in recent years, teams outside of this elite group have experienced some notable victories in the competition.
Since 2008, 10 teams from outside the traditional 'big six' have advanced to the FA Cup final – can you identify all of them?
For more quizzes, visit our Football Quizzes and Sports Quizzes sections, where you can also subscribe to receive the latest quizzes directly on your device.
We have a quiz question tailored to each Premier League team – test your knowledge and see how you score.
Can you recall every team that has won the Women's Champions League?
Which players have made the most appearances in the Premier League – can you name them all?
Explore our Sports Quizzes page for a wide range of challenging and engaging quizzes.
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