Iran, — Iran is expanding underground military infrastructure that could support ballistic missile production despite extensive damage to its surface facilities from US and Israeli strikes, according to a new analysis by the US-based Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI).
The study, based on Planet Labs satellite imagery, examined three major Iranian missile-related complexes at Parchin, Khojir and Shahrud. The findings show that solid-propellant production facilities at all three sites remain inoperable, with debris covering damaged buildings and limited progress in restoring specialized equipment following Operation Epic Fury.
Underground Activity at Parchin
At the Shahid Boroujerdi underground tunnel complex near Parchin, Iran has filled craters caused by penetrator munitions and rebuilt an auxiliary utility building that appears to provide power and support services.
Satellite images from around mid-September also show containers measuring approximately 5 to 13 meters long outside tunnel entrances. Analysts suggest they could be used to store or transport missile-related equipment or weapons. Longer containers may accommodate ballistic missiles, while shorter ones could hold cruise missiles or surface-to-air missiles, although their contents have not been confirmed.
The facility was previously linked to Iran's nuclear programme before the early 2000s. FPRI researchers assess that it may now support missile manufacturing or assembly.
Khojir Facilities Remain Damaged
At Khojir, major sections of the defence complex remain heavily damaged. Both solid-propellant production areas are covered in debris and remain non-operational. Liquid-propellant-related facilities, including Shahid Cheraghi, Shahid Rastegar and Shahid Movahed, show little visible recovery.
Several entrances to the Shahid Movahed underground facility, believed to be associated with final assembly of liquid-propellant missiles, appear blocked or sealed. The limited visible activity has led researchers to question whether missile assembly is currently taking place there.
New Tunnel Construction at Shahrud
At Shahrud, debris clearance is more advanced than at the other two sites, but the solid-propellant plant remains far from operational. Several buildings require reconstruction, and specialized equipment must be reinstalled.
Construction of a new tunnel complex in a nearby mountain range is continuing. Work on two entrances began in autumn 2024, while a third entrance appears to have been started following Operation Epic Fury. Excavated material is visible near the tunnel openings. The expanded network could provide underground space for missile production or assembly, although its precise function has not been confirmed.
Missile Production Could Resume Within a Year
FPRI researchers say the timeline for restoring Iran's missile production remains uncertain. A single facility could potentially return to full operation within approximately one year if Tehran concentrates resources and obtains the necessary specialized equipment, including planetary mixers used to manufacture solid rocket propellant. The timeline will depend on Iran's priorities and access to equipment produced domestically or obtained abroad.
The findings follow earlier intelligence assessments indicating that Iran had resumed limited ballistic missile and launcher production using stockpiled components, repaired production lines and undamaged underground facilities.
The latest analysis suggests that Iran's recovery remains uneven: major surface production facilities are still heavily damaged, while selected underground locations show activity and tunnel construction continues. The study relies on publicly available satellite imagery and does not cover every Iranian missile-related site, meaning other facilities may also contribute to its missile programme.
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