The US could strike Iran. Here’s how Tehran is getting prepared

U.S. Aims to Target Iran. Tehran’s War Readiness Escalates

As the U.S. intensifies its military presence in the Middle East, Iran has been actively positioning itself for potential conflict. The nation has fortified its nuclear installations and revived operations at critical missile production sites, signaling a readiness to respond to any escalation. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, recent talks between Iranian and American representatives in Geneva have not yielded a decisive agreement.

Tehran’s Military Reinforcements

Indirect negotiations in Geneva spanned three-and-a-half hours on Tuesday, yet no clear consensus emerged. Iran’s chief negotiator, Abbas Araghchi, stated both parties had aligned on foundational guidelines, while U.S. Vice President JD Vance noted that Iran had not recognized the “red lines” established by former President Donald Trump. Amid these discussions, U.S. military officials reported readiness for an offensive by the weekend, following recent deployments of air and naval forces in the region, as shared with CNN by informed sources.

“I believe the most vital site is Shahrud. The damage there was repaired swiftly,” said Sam Lair, a researcher at the James Martin Center for Non-proliferation Studies (CNS). “There was also a new production line under construction during the war, which remained intact and may now be operational, implying that solid-propellant missile motor output could have increased at this location.”

In the wake of Israel’s surprise assault in June last year, which disrupted parts of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and struck missile production hubs, Tehran has accelerated its recovery. The Imam Ali Missile Base in Khorramabad, for instance, saw three of its twelve structures rebuilt, one repaired, and three others under development, according to CNN analysis and Lair. Similarly, the Tabriz air base, linked to medium-range ballistic missile operations, has restored taxiways and runways, with entrances reopened after being sealed by bombing, as detailed by the CNS.

Iran has also restored the Hamadan Airbase, where bomb-created craters on the runway were filled, and aircraft shelters were repaired. The country’s largest solid-propellant missile facility in Shahrud has undergone rapid reconstruction, with new production lines reportedly operational. These efforts underscore Iran’s commitment to maintaining its military capabilities despite earlier setbacks.

Iran’s Nuclear Hardening Efforts

Satellite data indicates that Iran has restored key missile installations. At the Taleghan 2 facility near Tehran, a concrete structure was completed and subsequently covered with soil, according to the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS). High-resolution imagery from February 10, 2026, reveals ongoing work at the underground nuclear complex in Natanz, where tunnel entrances have been reinforced with fresh concrete. Construction equipment and trucks are present, suggesting continued efforts to shield the site from aerial strikes.

Western allies have struggled to convince Iran to limit its missile program, which the country views as essential for national defense. Even after suffering significant losses in the war with Israel, Iran has demonstrated resilience, reinforcing its strategic assets. The U.S. military’s strikes on three nuclear sites last year were met with fierce retaliation, including hundreds of missile and drone attacks on Israeli cities, as noted by former President Donald Trump, who claimed the targets were “totally obliterated.”