Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to strike a suspected Iranian nuclear facility known as Pickaxe Mountain. This site, located south of the Natanz complex, has seen recent construction activity observed via satellite imagery. Unlike other Iranian nuclear facilities, Pickaxe Mountain has not yet been targeted by US or Israeli military action. While Tehran maintains that no nuclear activities occur there, officials in Washington have raised concerns that the site might store enriched uranium or serve as a replacement for damaged centrifuge assembly facilities.
Experts note that the site features tunnel entrances and appears heavily fortified, with some analysts suggesting it may lie up to 100 meters underground. This depth exceeds that of other facilities previously hit by US bunker-buster munitions, such as those used against Natanz and Fordo. Analysts from the Institute for Science and International Security report steady excavation and hardening efforts, potentially intended to withstand aerial bombardment. Although complete destruction of the facility would be difficult due to its depth and the lack of clarity regarding its internal layout, military experts suggest that targeting ventilation shafts and access points could severely disrupt operations.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has not been granted access to the site, though director-general Rafael Grossi noted that Iran has expressed interest in conducting nuclear activities there. While Iran insists its nuclear program is strictly for peaceful purposes, concerns persist among Western officials that Pickaxe Mountain could be utilized for weapon-grade uranium production. Continuous vehicle movement observed at the site fuels speculation about the potential transfer of sensitive nuclear materials or advanced centrifuges to this hardened location.
