[REVISION HISTORY]

US-Iran conflict: Escalating threats to Pickaxe Mountain

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What changed

2026-09-10 16:43 UTC → 2026-09-11 01:47 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The United States and Iran continue an intermittent “military conflict” focused on preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. President Donald Trump has maintained that U.S. intervention has successfully targeted Iranian radar, air defense, and maritime assets near the Strait of Hormuz, while dismissing claims of munitions shortages as “treasonous.” Escalating tensions center on Pickaxe Mountain (Jabal al-Fas), a heavily fortified subterranean facility near the Natanz enrichment center. Satellite imagery analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) reveals a significant surge in construction activity throughout 2026. This activity includes reinforcing tunnel access points, paving internal roads, and removing excavation spoil, suggesting a transition from excavation to internal construction and structural hardening. While imagery does not confirm Israeli intelligence claims that Iran has relocated uranium centrifuges to the site, the facility’s deep granite location makes it a difficult target for conventional weapons. In response, the U.S. Department of Defense is evaluating military options, including the development of next-generation penetrator ~~bombs. President Trump has warned that the U.S. may strike~~ bombs and conducting specialized underground testing at the ~~site “very soon,” urging Tehran “not to get cute.”~~ White Sands Missile Range. Diplomatically, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors passed a resolution to report Iran to the UN Security Council for breaching non-proliferation obligations. The resolution passed with 23 votes in favor, while Russia and China voted against it. Iran has characterized the IAEA move as a political action driven by U.S. and Israeli aggression. President Trump has renewed warnings that the U.S. may strike the site “very soon,” urging Tehran “not to get cute.”

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