Trump's Ultimatum to Iran
In a stark declaration, President Donald Trump has vowed to obliterate Iran's heavily fortified underground facility known as "Pickaxe Mountain" (Beikaks), situated near the Natanz uranium enrichment site. This facility is believed to be dedicated to the development of centrifuges, a pivotal component in the nuclear enrichment process. During his remarks on Monday, Trump stated, "We will destroy Pickaxe Mountain. Tell the Iranians to be prepared," emphasizing the United States' unwavering commitment to exerting pressure on Iran.
Trump elaborated on the situation, noting, "We are closely monitoring the site. We do not observe any activity there. They are not doing well in their nuclear endeavors. Every time we hear about it, we blow it up. That’s why they don’t like to talk about it. However, we will likely strike Pickaxe soon." This statement indicates a significant escalation in rhetoric and potential military posturing regarding Iran's nuclear capabilities.
Understanding Pickaxe Mountain
Known in Arabic as "جبل الفأس" and in Persian as "کوه کولنغ غاز لا," Pickaxe Mountain is a complex of tunnels located approximately 1.6 kilometers south of the Natanz facility. Analysts have scrutinized this site since 2020 when satellite imagery revealed extensive excavation and tunnel construction. Despite this, Iran has not officially disclosed the nature or purpose of the facility, and inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have not been granted access, preventing verification of any ongoing activities within.
According to assessments from the Institute for Science and International Security and the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the site consists of four tunnel entrances that extend deep into the mountain, with depths estimated between 80 and 100 meters below the surface. This level of fortification surpasses that of other Iranian nuclear facilities, heightening concerns about its potential use for nuclear development. The Institute for Science and International Security suggests that Pickaxe Mountain may serve as a future site for Iran to reconstruct its centrifuge program, including the production of components, assembly of centrifuges, and uranium enrichment. However, they assert that the site is not operational yet, nor does it currently house any enriched uranium stockpiles.
Reuters has reported that Pickaxe Mountain features two deep tunnel complexes near Natanz, with experts suggesting that its defenses may exceed the capabilities of some American bunker-busting bombs. This alarming assessment raises questions about the effectiveness of potential military strikes against Iranian nuclear infrastructure.
Trump previously announced on June 21, 2025, during a 12-day conflict, that three Iranian nuclear facilities—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—were targeted by "extensive and precise" airstrikes, which he claimed resulted in their complete destruction. He described the operation as a "huge military success," highlighting that the Fordow facility was the most challenging target due to its fortifications.
In summary, as tensions escalate and threats are exchanged between the U.S. and Iran, the international community remains watchful. The situation at Pickaxe Mountain exemplifies the broader complexities of Iran's nuclear ambitions and the geopolitical stakes involved.
As reported by elaph.com.
