Trump Reiterates Promise to Prevent Iran’s Nuclear Weapons Development, Targeting Pickaxe Mountain
President Donald Trump has reiterated his commitment to ensure that Iran does not develop nuclear weapons, while also suggesting discussions with Mark Wallace, CEO of the Coalition Against Nuclear Iran. Wallace pointed out the latent threat posed by Iran’s concealed Pickaxe Mountain nuclear site, which potentially harbors centrifuges and enriched uranium. He stressed the importance of neutralizing this location and highlighted how Iran’s nuclear aspirations are often used as a bargaining chip against the West.
Recently, Trump warned about the possibility of military action against Iran’s underground Pickaxe Mountain facility. Interestingly, this site had escaped previous airstrikes, raising concerns about what prompted this renewed attention.
Located deep beneath the surface, at least 100 meters down near the Natanz nuclear enrichment site, Pickaxe Mountain was reportedly built to accommodate advanced centrifuge assembly, with production capacity significantly impacted since its destruction in 2020.
Iran claims that the new facility will be larger and more modern, constructed “in the heart of the mountains.” Experts suspect that the tunnels could eventually support centrifuge assembly lines or be involved in nuclear weapons operations.
However, it’s uncertain whether U.S. military assessments confirm that centrifuges have been relocated there or why a previously untouched site is suddenly deemed significant. There’s a lack of consensus among military specialists regarding whether an airstrike would truly incapacitate the facility or merely block its entrance.
It’s worth noting that Pickaxe Mountain’s primary chamber might be safe from the destruction capabilities of the U.S.’s most powerful conventional bombs. A bombing campaign could prevent Iran’s access without fully dismantling what lies inside.
On Tuesday, Trump indicated that action might be imminent, suggesting a “very large scale” attack could occur soon. His comments followed a report by the Wall Street Journal that Israeli intelligence believed Iran had shifted numerous centrifuges into Pickaxe Mountain last fall. Trump acknowledged that while the relocation “might have happened,” he also mentioned a lack of U.S. records about it.
“They’re probably right,” Trump commented, adding, “But that’s okay. Without the ingredients, there’s no point.”
In discussions about the state of Iran’s uranium stockpile, Trump referred to enriched uranium, which can be refined further to weapons-grade in centrifuges. The International Atomic Energy Agency had previously verified that Iran had 440.9 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium, equivalent to approximately 10 nuclear weapons based on their measurements. Most of that stockpile is believed to be housed in Isfahan, with additional quantities in Natanz and Fordow, but inspectors have been unable to verify the exact amounts or conditions since then.
The Institute for Science and International Security suggests that Iranian nuclear material remains contained at these sites, and there’s skepticism about whether enriched uranium has indeed made its way into Pickaxe Mountain.
Simply storing the centrifuges doesn’t mean Pickaxe Mountain is an operational enrichment facility. They need to be connected to a network of systems and supplied with uranium gas for that to happen.
Satellite imagery indicates ongoing construction at the site, yet there are no signs to confirm operational capabilities, according to analysts. Observations have detected new barriers being built, likely to reinforce the tunnel entrance against potential airstrikes.
A vehicle noted near the entrance raises questions, but it’s unclear what it might be carrying. Some experts believe the strategic focus on Pickaxe Mountain reflects its status as one of the last major untouched nuclear sites in Iran.
Trump’s previous remarks suggested U.S. surveillance showed little activity at the site, but he hinted that it could become a target for future military actions. In an interview, after a suggestion to target Pickaxe Mountain, Trump stated, “We’re going to eliminate Pickaxe Mountain. Tell the Iranians to get ready.”
Meanwhile, the White House hasn’t issued any comments regarding these developments. There’s a lot of speculation about whether Trump’s aggressive rhetoric is driven by new intel, an effort to stop Iran’s nuclear progression, or a shift in focus from destroying existing facilities to preventing any reconstruction efforts.
Discussions on whether aerial attacks could effectively destroy the facility continue, with some experts arguing it would be nearly impossible given its depth and defenses. Others suggest that making the facility unusable by denying access to necessary resources might be an alternative strategy.
Analysts have pinpointed potential weak points through satellite images, but without further detailed intelligence, the true strategic value remains uncertain. Suggestions have been made that an attack could collapse the tunnel entrance, obstructing Iran’s ability to operate the facility without extensive excavation efforts.
Additionally, it’s noted that Iran has shown resilience in reopening missile tunnels after being targeted, indicating that consistent surveillance and military readiness might be required to maintain pressure on the site.
While an attack might yield a symbolic victory against Iran’s nuclear ambitions, it is also viewed as part of a larger geopolitical context beyond just this one facility.
