In our latest story, I break down some of the recent construction at the Natanz nuclear facility, #Iran. Using satellite images, we identify likely new tunnel entrances for an apparent new underground facility.
nytimes.com/2020/12/09/wor…
nytimes.com/2020/12/09/wor…
The article is a snapshot of ongoing developments in Natanz. Here are some of the things we can see as of early December. With analysis by @ArmsControlWonk & graphics by @arielle_designs
The ongoing construction is around 1km south of the main Natanz complex and takes shape five months after an explosion destroyed a centrifuge assembly hall in Natanz. Iran defiantly vowed to rebuild it “in the heart of the mountains.” 🛰️📷 @Maxar 
Authorities started to set up a construction support facility south of the Natanz site in September. The camp was built over the next weeks, and roads in the nearby hills were regraded or newly created. Some of the road work can be seen in this @Maxar image from October 21.
A Dec. 1 @planetlabs image provides additional details: There are at least two likely new tunnel entrances in the area; and something as simple as a pile of dirt is a clue - we can track the growing debris pile as a sign of ongoing excavations.
A big thank you also to @puccioni1 and @AI_Micah for additional image analysis and insights.
For a fascinating flashback, Episode 1 of this podcast includes a great account of how @CoreyAH used satellite imagery to reveal the then secret Natanz site in 2002 — involving hard copy maps, fax forms & CD-ROMs!
middlebury.edu/office/deal-po…
middlebury.edu/office/deal-po…
And finally, a job alert: Our team is hiring a fellow! If you are interested in digging into similarly hard to report stories, enjoy researching social media, working with data and analyzing visuals, this can become your new home. Deadline is TODAY
https://twitter.com/_stella_cooper/status/1334889407288053766
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