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Pickaxe Mountain: Iran accelerates construction at underground nuclear site
Satellite imagery analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) reveals a significant surge in construction activity at Pickaxe Mountain, a fortified underground site near Iran's Natanz nuclear complex. Throughout 2026, visible work has included the reinforcement of tunnel access points, paving of internal road networks, and the removal of excavated material, suggesting a transition from excavation to internal construction and structural hardening.
While Israeli intelligence has suggested Iran may be relocating uranium centrifuges to the site, satellite data has not independently confirmed this movement. Analysts note that the facility does not currently show signs of active uranium enrichment. However, the site's deep granite location makes it a difficult target for conventional weapons, prompting the U.S. Department of Defense to explore next-generation penetrator bombs and conduct specialized underground testing at the White Sands Missile Range.
In a related diplomatic development, the IAEA Board of Governors passed a resolution to report Iran to the UN Security Council for breaching non-proliferation obligations. This move follows concerns regarding Iran's lack of cooperation with inspectors. President Donald Trump has renewed threats to strike the Pickaxe Mountain facility, warning Tehran not to engage in provocative activities.
Entities
Center for Strategic and International Studies · Donald Trump · International Atomic Energy Agency · Iran · Natanz · Pentagon · Pickaxe Mountain · United States
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 6 SOURCES] The U.S. Department of Defense is assessing military options and developing next-generation penetrator bombs to target deep underground facilities. pulptastic.com · baotintuc.vn · maisfm.com · www.cnn.co.jp · israelnoticias.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] The IAEA Board of Governors passed a resolution to report Iran to the UN Security Council for breaching non-proliferation obligations. kayhanlife.com · gulfnews.com · cbn.globo.com · dorzeczy.pl · cryptobriefing.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Iran's mission to the IAEA criticized the resolution as a political move driven by U.S. and Israeli aggression. kayhanlife.com
- [● 10 SOURCES] President Donald Trump suggested the United States may strike the Pickaxe Mountain facility in the near future. pulptastic.com · baotintuc.vn · newsbit.nl · cbn.globo.com · www.cnn.co.jp · +4 more
- [DISPUTED] Satellite imagery cannot confirm Israeli intelligence claims that Iran has relocated uranium centrifuges to the Pickaxe Mountain facility. pulptastic.com · israelnoticias.com · gulfnews.com · www.cnn.co.jp · baotintuc.vn
- [● 2 SOURCES] The IAEA resolution passed with 23 votes in favor, three against, and eight abstentions. kayhanlife.com · cbn.globo.com
- [● 8 SOURCES] Construction activity at the Pickaxe Mountain site increased significantly in 2026, involving road paving, entrance reinforcement, and excavation removal. pulptastic.com · israelnoticias.com · gulfnews.com · baotintuc.vn · maisfm.com · +3 more
- [DISPUTED] The facility does not currently appear to be operating as an enrichment site due to a lack of observable activity. israelnoticias.com · gulfnews.com · maisfm.com · www.cnn.co.jp