Iran has begun rebuilding missile facilities damaged by Israeli strikes during this year’s 12-day war, as Tehran braces for the possibility of another conflict with Israel in the near future.
Satellite imagery reviewed by independent analysts shows reconstruction work underway at several key locations. These include the Parchin Solid Propellant Plant near Tehran, which produces solid-fuel missiles, and the Shahroud Solid Propellant Plant, previously struck in October of last year following Iranian attacks on October 1. Photos also indicate activity at the Khojir Missile Facility outside Tehran, another major site hit by Israeli strikes in June.
Although Israel targeted numerous missile production and launch facilities during the war, analysts believe relatively few were destroyed beyond repair. Much of the damage was limited to specific structures, making reconstruction possible. Iran appears to have launched repairs about a month ago.
The rebuilding comes as Iran is suspected of testing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) last week. On September 18, videos surfaced online showing what appeared to be a missile launch from the Imam Khomeini Spaceport. Two days later, lawmaker Mohsen Zanganeh described the test on state TV as a successful “security test of an intercontinental-range missile.” Tehran has not officially confirmed the launch, though observers widely believe it involved a long-range missile.
Since June, Iranian officials — including President Massoud Pezeshkian — have repeatedly warned that another war with Israel may be imminent. The urgency of reconstruction, along with the reported missile test, reflects preparations for such a scenario.
Separately, an Iranian lawmaker claimed this week that Tehran had taken delivery of MiG-29 fighter jets from Russia as a stop-gap measure while awaiting delayed Su-35 jets. He also suggested Iran is exploring the purchase of advanced air defense systems from both Russia and China, something that Iran has reportedly been hesitant to do over the last few years.