Key facts
- Pickaxe Mountain is a fortified underground facility near Iran's Natanz nuclear complex.
- Construction began in 2020 after an alleged sabotage at Natanz.
- The site is linked to Iran's nuclear program.
- Experts believe its deep burial complicates targeting.
- The facility is not yet operational but construction continues.
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to attack Pickaxe Mountain, a fortified underground facility near Iran's Natanz nuclear complex, amid escalating tensions between the two nations. The site, located 220 km south of Tehran, is linked to Iran's nuclear program, which has long been a source of international concern.
Construction at Pickaxe Mountain began in 2020, following an alleged act of sabotage at the nearby Natanz facility. Iran's former nuclear chief stated at the time that a more modern and comprehensive facility for making advanced centrifuges was being built within the mountain. The U.N. nuclear watchdog chief has also noted Iran's systematic intention to place sensitive nuclear activities underground.
Analysis of satellite imagery by the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) indicates the facility features two pairs of tunnel entrances leading to a complex estimated to be at least 100 meters underground. The site is protected by a significant security perimeter and hardened tunnel entrances, which experts suggest would complicate targeting with penetrating munitions.
While the facility is not yet believed to be operational, construction continues. Experts assess that if Iran were to rebuild its centrifuge manufacturing capabilities, Pickaxe Mountain could house a smaller assembly facility intended for a nuclear weapons program. Trump has stated that the U.S. is closely monitoring the site and has not observed any activity there.