The geopolitical landscape is once again tense as President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, threatening imminent strikes on the country’s underground nuclear facility, known as Pickaxe Mountain. This threat comes amidst a backdrop of escalating military exchanges and heightened diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
The underground site, located approximately 220 kilometers south of Tehran and just 2 kilometers from the Natanz nuclear complex, has become a focal point in the ongoing conflict. The facility, also referred to as Kolah Kouh, has been a subject of international scrutiny due to its potential role in Iran’s nuclear program.
The Strategic Importance of Pickaxe Mountain
Pickaxe Mountain is a deeply buried facility, with estimates suggesting it could be at least 100 meters underground. This depth makes it a formidable target, as James Acton, co-director of the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, notes: “There’s just no way to destroy this facility. The best one can do is try to collapse the tunnel entrances.”
The facility’s construction began in 2026, following a fire at the Natanz site, which Iran attributed to sabotage. The underground halls were intended to replace the destroyed above-ground advanced centrifuge assembly facility. Despite recent military actions, including strikes in June last year and during the 12-day war in 2026, the Pickaxe Mountain facility has largely remained untouched, except for the destruction of a vehicle on a nearby spoil pile.
Escalating Tensions and Military Threats
President Trump has repeatedly emphasized the need to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. In a recent interview, he stated, “We’re going to take out Pickaxe Mountain. Tell the Iranians to be ready.” This statement underscores the US’s determination to neutralize any potential nuclear threats from Iran.
The US has been closely monitoring the Pickaxe Mountain site, with Trump asserting that there is no visible activity there. However, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed concerns about the lack of access to the site, which has hindered their ability to verify Iran’s centrifuge capacity and production since 2026.
The Broader Context of the US-Iran Conflict
The current escalation is part of a broader conflict that has seen the US and Iran exchange strikes over the past few months. The recent death of three American soldiers in Jordan has further exacerbated tensions. In response, Iran has threatened to target “all the interests of America, the allies and supporters” if the US proceeds with attacks on its nuclear sites.
The conflict has also extended to maritime domains, with the Iran-backed Houthis declaring a blockade on Saudi Arabia. This blockade could disrupt Saudi oil exports, which have been largely unaffected by the ongoing war. President Trump has signaled that the US is prepared to respond militarily to any such disruption.
The Future of the Nuclear Issue
The Memorandum of Understanding signed in June outlined terms for a 60-day cease-fire, which has since collapsed due to renewed hostilities. The agreement stipulated that the US and Iran would address Iran’s existing stockpile of enriched material under IAEA supervision. However, the resumption of the war on July 7 has cast doubt on the prospects of further negotiations.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community watches closely. The strategic importance of Pickaxe Mountain and the broader implications for regional stability cannot be overstated. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the trajectory of the US-Iran conflict and its impact on global security.
