Donald Trump threatens US strike on Iran's Pickaxe Mountain nuclear site

U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly warned that America will target the underground Iranian facility known as Pickaxe Mountain, describing it as a potential “next target” for U.S. raids. The site, located about 1.5 km south of the Natanz uranium‑enrichment complex in Iran’s Isfahan province, is said to be built deep beneath a 1,600‑metre mountain and may house enrichment equipment and uranium‑storage tunnels.

Satellite analysis by the Institute for Science and International Security shows construction began around 2020 and recent vehicle traffic suggests ongoing tunnel work, which the institute says violates the U.S.–Iran memorandum that bars new nuclear construction. Trump said U.S. Space Force surveillance is monitoring the facility and warned that even limited activity could trigger a strike. He also hinted at reinstating a maritime blockade and discussed the possibility of deploying troops or arming opposition forces.

Iranian officials have warned of a “devastating response” if the threat is acted on, stating that U.S. soldiers and regional partners would bear the cost. The rhetoric marks a new escalation in U.S.–Iran tensions following previous strikes on other Iranian nuclear sites.