Concerns Over Iran’s Nuclear Site
A recent assessment reveals that Iran’s most hazardous nuclear facility is situated about 100 meters underground, concealed by a granite mountain. Experts in non-proliferation have emphasized that this site must be “neutralized” before any resolution to the conflict between the US and Iran can occur.
This evaluation comes alongside new data from the US Central Command (CENTCOM), indicating that the US and Israeli forces initiated Operation Epic Fury in late February. To date, they have targeted over 7,800 locations within Iran, marking the 18th day of the ongoing conflict.
Andrea Stricker, who serves as the deputy director for the Nonproliferation Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, stated, “The United States and Israel must complete two urgent tasks before major combat operations conclude against Iran.” According to her, these tasks involve, firstly, neutralizing Pickaxe Mountain and, secondly, either recovering or eliminating the highly enriched uranium to prevent its acquisition by hostile regimes or terrorist groups.
Reports indicate that recent high-resolution satellite imagery from mid-February showcases Iran boosting its defensive measures around the Qu Qoran Ghazla compound, informally known as “Pickaxe Mountain,” to guard against air strikes. Activity at one of the eastern tunnel entrances shows soil being pushed back and leveled, creating a barrier over the entrance.
Additionally, the report mentions that recent construction efforts, including a reinforced concrete headwork at the tunnel entrance, are intended to fortify it against aerial attacks. Observers noted a visible stockpile of construction materials nearby.
Efforts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons have long been one of President Donald Trump’s key objectives during this conflict. Back in June 2025, the US military engaged targets at notable nuclear sites like Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Currently, Iran is reported to have around 441 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium, which, if further processed, could yield sufficient material for several nuclear weapons.
On March 9, UN Secretary-General Rafael Grossi mentioned that the UN watchdog believes Iran retains approximately 200 kilograms of highly enriched uranium stored within deep tunnels at a facility near Isfahan.
Grossi further stated there’s a possibility of additional highly enriched uranium being present at another nuclear site in Natanz, where Iran is actively constructing a reinforced underground facility on Mount Pickaxe. President Trump has pointed out that Iran continues to seek nuclear capabilities regardless of having faced significant military strikes that destroyed many of its primary nuclear sites.
In this context, Stricker highlighted that the “other location” referenced by Trump is indeed Mount Pickaxe, where plans for a centrifuge assembly plant began unfolding in 2021, situated just a mile from the Natanz enrichment facility. Concerns remain surrounding the potential activities planned for this facility, given its strategic and fortified location.
Media sources have also reported that a vehicle crash, possibly linked to Israeli operations, occurred near the site, suggesting heightened surveillance of the area by US and Israeli forces.
