What is the discussion about Iran's Pickaxe Mountain?

 

The discussion surrounding Iran's Pickaxe Mountain center on a recent direct threat by U.S. President Donald Trump to launch a military strike against the heavily fortified, underground nuclear-linked facility. In a July 13, 2026, interview on the Hugh Hewitt Show, Trump stated, "We're going to take out Pickaxe Mountain. Tell the Iranians to be ready". The threat follows a series of recent U.S. airstrikes that severely damaged nearby above-ground facilities at the Natanz nuclear complex, thrusting Pickaxe Mountain into the spotlight as Iran's deepest, most secret, and most fortified remaining site. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Key Aspects of the Discussion

• Strategic Location and Fortification: Pickaxe Mountain (known in Persian as Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La) is located roughly 220 km (140 miles) south of Tehran and just 2 km from the main ⁠Natanz nuclear complex. According to the ⁠Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), it features tunnel complexes excavated roughly 80 to 100 meters (260 to 330 feet) beneath solid granite rock. [1, 2, 3, 4]
• Dispute Over the Site's Purpose: Western intelligence agencies and analysts at organizations like the ⁠Open Nuclear Network (ONN) suspect Iran may use the immense depth of the mountain as a "strategic hedge" to build a secret, undeclared uranium enrichment plant. Conversely, Tehran has maintained since construction began in 2020 that the facility is designed strictly to assemble civilian-use advanced centrifuges. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has never been granted full physical access to verify the facility. [1, 2, 3, 4]
• Debate on Military Feasibility: Nuclear and military experts are actively debating whether a conventional airstrike can even penetrate the mountain. Analysts note that the solid granite ridge disperses shockwaves far better than limestone, meaning the complex is likely out of reach for the U.S. military's most powerful GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs, which penetrate up to 60 meters. Experts suggest that while a full structural collapse from the air is unlikely, the U.S. could target peripheral vulnerabilities like incoming power lines, air ventilation shafts, or open tunnel entrances to temporarily deny access. [1, 2, 3]
• Satellite Imagery Revelations: Though Trump claimed the U.S. sees "no activity" there, recent satellite imagery analyzed by CNN and ISIS in July 2026 shows ongoing construction, heavy vehicle movement, and reinforcement of the western tunnel entrances. Analysts state this violates the standing U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding regarding the nuclear status quo. [1, 2, 3]
• Iranian Threats of Retaliation: Following Trump's comments, a senior unnamed Iranian security official warned that if Pickaxe Mountain is struck, Iran will unleash a "devastating response" directly targeting American troops and Washington's regional allies. [1, 2]