President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States may consider a military strike on Iran Pickaxe Mountain, which is closely situated to the damaged Natanz uranium enrichment facility. He warned Tehran during a speech at the midterm Republican convention, stating, “We notice there a little activity at Pickaxe. I would advise Iran not to get cute because we will have to hit them very hard.” This location is fortified and features two deep underground tunnel complexes, making it a strategic site.
Trump warnings regarding possible strikes on Pickaxe Mountain have been ongoing since mid-July, highlighting increasing tensions between the U.S. and Iran regarding nuclear activity.Trump has been suggesting military action against Pickaxe Mountain since at least mid-July, with increasing tensions stemming from the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. The conflict has significantly impacted oil and gas prices, becoming a pivotal concern for Trump and the Republican Party as they prepare for the midterm elections in November.
The hostilities began on February 28, when the U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran, prompting retaliatory strikes from Iran against Israel and Gulf nations that harbor U.S. military bases. These exchanges have resulted in considerable casualties and mass displacements. Trump has expressed a belief that the conflict might conclude shortly after the midterms, suggesting that Iran is attempting to influence the upcoming elections that could impact Republican control over Congress.
Pickaxe Mountain is situated 220 km (140 miles) south of Tehran and approximately 2 km from the Natanz nuclear complex, which houses two Iranian uranium enrichment facilities. This site was bombed in March as part of U.S.-Israeli military operations targeting Iran, with further strikes occurring during a previous 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran.
According to the Institute for Science and International Security, which specializes in nuclear non-proliferation, the tunnel facility being constructed at Pickaxe Mountain was not the focus of either military engagement. Former President Trump has articulated a goal of undermining Iran nuclear capabilities, despite Iran asserting that its uranium enrichment activities are solely for peaceful purposes. While the U.S. is recognized as a nuclear power, Israel is widely believed to possess nuclear weapons, though it has not publicly confirmed or denied this status.
UN nuclear watchdog confirms activity at Iran Pickaxe Mountain
The United Nations atomic watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has confirmed the observation of construction activity at Iran Pickaxe Mountain, a heavily-fortified site associated with potential nuclear-related activities. According to IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, while remote imagery has shown signs of movement at the site located near Tehran main uranium-enrichment facility, inspectors have not yet conducted a physical inspection of the tunnel complex.
Pickaxe Mountain This development comes amidst growing international concerns, highlighted by comments from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has publicly referenced the site in conjunction with discussions about Iran nuclear ambitions.Grossi stated, “There are some indications that there is movement around this construction site,” but noted the lack of concrete information on any specific activities occurring.
This statement follows a referral of Iran nuclear file to the UN Security Council due to non-compliance with international nuclear requirements. Notably, since a military attack on Iranian nuclear facilities by Israel and the U.S. in June 2025, IAEA inspectors have not verified the condition or location of Iran stockpile of near-bomb-grade uranium. Yesterday, Trump reiterated his warnings to Iran at a Republican rally, stating, “I would advise Iran not to get cute because we will have to hit them very hard,” underscoring escalating tensions in the region regarding Iran nuclear activities.
Activity at the Pickaxe site in the Zagros Mountains, initiated after an attack on an Iranian centrifuge workshop six years ago, demonstrates Iran efforts to secure its nuclear capabilities by relocating operations underground for protection against potential attacks. With Israel and the United States urging the dismantlement of Iran centrifuge program vital for enriching uranium for nuclear fuel and weapons the landscape is becoming increasingly tense.
A recent censure resolution against Iran may pave the way for military strikes on its nuclear facilities, echoing Trump assertions that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons justifies military action.Iran has responded strongly to these challenges, warning Western nations against using the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as a wartime tool. In a recent diplomatic note, Tehran envoy referred to the dangerous precedent set in June 2025, when Israel initiated attacks shortly after the IAEA found Iran non-compliant with its nuclear obligations, suggesting a correlation between IAEA findings and military aggressions.
Pickaxe Mountain IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi expressed growing concern about the increasing interest from various countries in acquiring nuclear weapons amid heightened global conflict. He warned that the proliferation of nuclear arms could lead to their use in warfare, a scenario Grossi deemed almost certain. The underlying issues reflect deep geopolitical tensions centered around Iran nuclear ambitions and the international community response, showing the fragile balance between diplomacy and potential military action.
Pingback: Houthis Seize Strategic Island as Saudi Arabia Shuts Pipeline, Opening New Front in Iran War - internationalmediawire.com