US accelerates preparations for testing weapons for strikes on Iranian underground sites

September 12, 2026 at 12:32 AM1 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

The United States has accelerated weapons testing at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico for possible strikes on Iranian underground nuclear sites. Satellite imagery and Pentagon documents reviewed by CNN International show preparations for new tests of weapons that could be used against buried targets shortly before any war with Iran.

Key Facts

The United States has increased the pace of work at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico on weapons that could be used against Iranian underground nuclear facilities.
CNN International reviewed satellite imagery and Pentagon documents showing preparations for new tests of weapons against buried targets.
The reported preparations are linked to possible US strikes on deep underground sites in Iran.

Weapons Testing at White Sands

The United States has accelerated work at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico on weapons that could be used in operations against Iranian underground nuclear facilities. Satellite imagery and Pentagon documents reviewed by CNN International show preparations for new tests of weapons that could be used against buried targets shortly before any war with Iran. The reported activity is part of US preparations for possible strikes on deep underground sites in Iran.

Iranian Underground Nuclear Sites

Iran operates nuclear facilities located deep underground, which are considered difficult to destroy with conventional weapons. The United States has long identified Iran's underground nuclear infrastructure as a potential target in the event of a military conflict. The accelerated testing at White Sands suggests that the Pentagon is preparing options for striking such buried targets.