NEW: Satellite Images Show Iran Using Heavy Equipment to Recover Missile Launchers Trapped in Underground Tunnels During Ceasefire

Reflecto News
April 15, 2026

New satellite imagery reveals Iran actively clearing debris and using heavy machinery to reopen access to underground missile facilities damaged by U.S. and Israeli strikes. The activity, captured during a recent temporary ceasefire, indicates Tehran is working to recover missile launchers buried under rubble from targeted strikes on tunnel entrances.

According to reporting citing U.S. intelligence assessments, roughly half of Iran’s missile launchers remain intact after more than a month of intense fighting under Operation Epic Fury, though many are currently inaccessible due to collapsed or blocked tunnels.

Iran’s extensive network of underground “missile cities” has proven resilient, with launchers hidden deep in mountain tunnels and caves.

What the Satellite Images Reveal

Analysis of commercial satellite imagery (including from Airbus) shows heavy equipment — such as front-end loaders and dump trucks — operating at missile base entrances in areas like Khomeyn and near Tabriz. The images, taken shortly after a short-term ceasefire took effect, depict crews removing rubble that had sealed tunnel openings following precision strikes aimed at trapping mobile launchers inside.

U.S. and Israeli forces had deliberately targeted these entrances to prevent launchers from deploying or returning for reloading, a tactic designed to neutralize Iran’s ballistic missile threat without necessarily destroying every underground asset outright.

U.S. Intelligence Assessment

Recent U.S. intelligence estimates indicate that despite sustained airstrikes:

• Approximately 50% of Iran’s missile launchers are still intact.
• Thousands of one-way attack drones also remain in the arsenal.
• A significant portion of the surviving launchers may be buried but recoverable once access is restored.

This assessment highlights the challenge of fully degrading Iran’s deeply buried “missile cities,” which were constructed over decades to withstand aerial bombardment. The underground networks allow Iran to protect assets and potentially resume operations relatively quickly during pauses in fighting.

Strategic Implications

Iran’s efforts to recover trapped launchers during the ceasefire underscore the difficulty of achieving lasting degradation of its missile capabilities through airpower alone. Experts note that while strikes have disrupted operations and destroyed some assets, the underground infrastructure provides redundancy and survivability.

This development occurs amid ongoing diplomatic uncertainty. Earlier today, both the U.S. and Iran rejected elements of a mediator-proposed peace plan, with Tehran insisting on a permanent end to hostilities and the U.S. maintaining its demands for immediate, unrestricted reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

The recovery work also raises concerns about potential re-escalation if the fragile ceasefire collapses, especially as President Trump’s previous deadline pressures and threats of further strikes on infrastructure remain part of the broader context.

Iran’s Underground Missile Strategy

For years, Iran has invested heavily in hardened underground facilities — often referred to as “missile cities” — buried deep in mountainous terrain. These sites feature extensive tunnel networks, rail systems for moving missiles, and multiple exit points, making them difficult to completely neutralize from the air.

U.S. officials have acknowledged the resilience of this strategy, noting that while visible infrastructure and some launchers have been hit, a substantial portion of the arsenal remains a credible threat.

Reflecto News will continue monitoring satellite analysis, official statements, and any impact on ongoing ceasefire or diplomatic efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What do the new satellite images show?
The images depict heavy equipment clearing rubble from entrances to underground missile tunnels in Iran, suggesting efforts to recover trapped launchers during a temporary ceasefire.

How many of Iran’s missile launchers remain intact?
U.S. intelligence assesses that roughly half are still intact, though many may currently be inaccessible due to strikes on tunnel entrances that buried them under debris.

Why were tunnel entrances targeted?
U.S. and Israeli strikes focused on sealing entrances to trap mobile launchers inside, preventing them from firing or returning for reloading, while limiting direct attacks on deeply buried assets.

Does this mean Iran’s missile program is recovering quickly?
The activity shows Iran is working to restore access, highlighting the resilience of its underground facilities. However, full operational recovery would still depend on the extent of internal damage and available resources.

How does this fit into the current ceasefire and diplomatic situation?
The recovery work during the ceasefire has raised concerns about rearmament risks. It comes as both sides have rejected key elements of mediator proposals, keeping the risk of renewed escalation high.

For ongoing coverage of the Iran conflict, missile capabilities, satellite intelligence, and diplomatic developments, stay with Reflecto News.