The US could strike Iran. Here’s how Tehran is getting prepared
The US could strike Iran. Here’s how Tehran is getting prepared
Amid escalating tensions, the United States has intensified its military presence in the Middle East, prompting Iran to reinforce its defenses. Tehran is now actively preparing for potential conflict, including strengthening its nuclear installations and restoring missile manufacturing infrastructure. Recent satellite imagery highlights the country’s efforts to safeguard critical facilities and accelerate production capabilities.
Iranian and American representatives engaged in indirect discussions in Geneva on Tuesday, lasting three and a half hours. While both sides identified shared goals, the talks left no definitive agreement. Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s top diplomat, stated that “guiding principles” were reached, yet US Vice President JD Vance pointed out that the Iranians had not recognized the “red lines” established by President Donald Trump.
“I think the most important site is Shahrud. The damage there was repaired very quickly,” said Sam Lair, a research associate at the James Martin Center for Non-proliferation Studies (CNS).
The White House has reportedly been informed that the US military may be prepared to launch an attack by the weekend. This follows a recent surge in deploying air and naval forces to the region, as confirmed by sources close to the situation. At the same time, Iran is rebuilding key missile bases and repairing airfields that were heavily struck during last year’s conflict with Israel.
In June 2025, Israel conducted a surprise assault on Iranian targets, crippling parts of its nuclear program and damaging missile production sites. The attack also claimed the lives of several military leaders. Iran responded with a barrage of hundreds of missiles and drones, targeting Israeli cities. During the 12-day exchange, the US bombed three nuclear facilities, with Trump asserting they were “totally obliterated.”
Despite these losses, Iran has swiftly restored its missile infrastructure. At the Imam Ali Missile Base in Khorramabad, three of the twelve structures destroyed by Israel are now rebuilt, while others are under construction. The site features silo launch sites, surrounded by earthwork and construction activity. Similarly, the Tabriz air base, connected to medium-range ballistic missiles, has seen its taxiways and runways restored, with entrances reopened after being bombed.
Satellite analysis further reveals that Iran has completed a concrete sarcophagus around the Taleghan 2 site at the Parchin military complex, southeast of Tehran. The facility is now covered with soil, enhancing its concealment. Meanwhile, the Shahrud solid-propellant missile plant—Iran’s largest and newest production hub—has been fully restored. Lair noted that a new production line remained undamaged during the war and is now likely operational, suggesting increased output.
Western nations have struggled to convince Iran to limit its missile program, which the regime views as essential to its defense. Even as it displays flexibility on nuclear restrictions, Iran is rapidly hardening its underground nuclear complex near Natanz. Fresh concrete at both western and eastern tunnel entrances, alongside construction equipment, indicates enhanced protection against airstrikes.