Satellite images show an increase in construction activity
Between September 30, 2025 and August 9, 2026, Iranian construction at Pickaxe Mountain visibly increased, a Center for Strategic and International Studies analysis finds.
Mobile 320 (320px)
September 30, 2025
Continuous and increased
vehicle and machinery
presence at encampment
New looping use pattern
probable indicator of continuous
bidirectional traffic
July 9, 2026
Hardened road access to spoilage
discharge site and flattening of ground
together indicate removal of tunnel dirt
and the end of excavation work
Construction camp with
storage and equipment
August 9, 2026
Batch plant
September 30, 2025
Continuous and increased
vehicle and machinery
presence at encampment
New looping use pattern
probable indicator of continuous
bidirectional traffic
July 9, 2026
Hardened road access to spoilage
discharge site and flattening of ground
together indicate removal of tunnel dirt
and the end of excavation work
Construction camp with
storage and equipment
August 9, 2026
Batch plant
September 30, 2025
July 9, 2026
New looping use pattern probable indicator of continuous
bidirectional traffic
Continuous and
increased vehicle
and machinery
presence at
encampment
Hardened road access to spoilage discharge site and flattening of ground together indicate removal of tunnel dirt and the end of excavation work
August 9, 2026
Construction camp with
storage and equipment
Batch plant
