In a significant escalation of rhetoric, U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that the United States will soon launch airstrikes on "Picax Mountain," located near the Natanz nuclear facility in Iran. This statement marks a new threat directed at one of Iran's most fortified nuclear sites, coinciding with increasing military pressures on Tehran. The focus on deep-rooted nuclear facilities continues to be a top priority for Washington.
Direct Threat from the U.S.
On Tuesday, Trump stated that airstrikes on Picax Mountain, which is situated approximately 1.6 kilometers from the Natanz facility, are imminent. This site is believed to contain two extensive tunnel complexes that are buried deep within the mountain, likely beyond the reach of most bunker-busting bombs currently available in the U.S. arsenal. According to reports from Reuters, this location is associated with Iran's nuclear program. This declaration represents Trump's first explicit identification of the site as a near-term military target, following previous hints over the past weeks regarding possible action if efforts to contain Iran's nuclear ambitions faltered.
Why Target Picax Mountain?
The strategic importance of Picax Mountain stems from its proximity to key nuclear installations and its alleged role in housing advanced centrifuge production and assembly operations. Reports indicate that this mountainous site has been fortified to defend sensitive facilities against aerial attacks, making it a complex military challenge. Experts have suggested that targeting Picax Mountain would require precision strikes and potentially specialized munitions designed for deep penetration, given the site’s robust defenses. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has yet to conduct direct inspections of this location, which adds further layers of uncertainty regarding Iran's nuclear activities.
The U.S. escalation is not limited to direct actions against this facility but also sends a broader message about Washington's continued commitment to countering Iran's nuclear ambitions. Analysts suggest that highlighting Picax Mountain reflects a growing American belief that Iran has fortified its nuclear program by relocating components to deeper, more secure locations in a bid to safeguard its capabilities from future strikes.
Trump's warning comes at a time when tensions are high, with additional remarks indicating that the U.S. will respond if Iranian-backed Houthi militias follow through with threats to blockade shipping routes in the Red Sea. This dual focus on Iran's nuclear program and its regional proxies underscores a comprehensive U.S. strategy to enhance deterrence through direct military pressure alongside readiness to confront threats to international maritime routes.
As the threat against Picax Mountain enters the public discourse, the U.S.-Iran standoff moves into a more precarious phase. The confrontation has expanded from targeting known facilities to include highly fortified sites viewed as integral to Iran's nuclear future, raising concerns about the potential for escalating tensions in the region.
As reported by sana.sy.
