Pickaxe Mountain, also known as Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La, is an underground nuclear facility in Iran that President Trump has recently threatened to attack. This fortified site, located near the Natanz enrichment complex, has become a focal point in escalating US-Iran tensions. Here's everything you need to know about this critical target.
Where Is Pickaxe Mountain Located?
Pickaxe Mountain sits approximately 220 kilometers (140 miles) south of Tehran and just 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the Natanz nuclear facility, which houses two of Iran's uranium enrichment plants. Natanz itself has been bombed before—during the US-Israeli strikes of February 2026 and the 12-day war of 2025. However, the fortified underground complex at Pickaxe Mountain has never been directly targeted, according to the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS).
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History and Construction
Construction of the Pickaxe Mountain facility began in 2020, following an explosion at Natanz that Iran attributed to sabotage. Iranian authorities reported significant damage at the time, and in September 2020, Iran's then-nuclear chief Ali Akbar Salehi confirmed the country had begun building the underground site. Experts believe the complex is still under construction and is buried nearly 100 meters inside the mountain, making it a highly hardened bunker capable of withstanding aerial bombardment.
Strategic Importance
The facility is believed to house centrifuges and enrichment equipment, protected by layers of rock and concrete. Its deep burial and proximity to Natanz make it a critical asset for Iran's nuclear program. Trump's threat to "hit that area pretty soon, and very heavily" underscores the site's value as a potential chokepoint for Iran's nuclear ambitions.
Comparison of Nuclear Sites Targeted in Past Strikes
| Site | Targeted in 2025 Strikes? | Targeted in 2026 Strikes? | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natanz Enrichment Plant | Yes | Yes | Damaged, partially operational |
| Pickaxe Mountain | No | No | Still under construction |
| Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant | Yes | No | Operational, fortified |
Key Takeaways
- Pickaxe Mountain is a deep underground nuclear facility near Natanz, Iran.
- Construction started in 2020 after a sabotage incident at Natanz.
- The site has never been targeted by previous US-Israeli strikes.
- Trump threatens a heavy attack on this facility amid ongoing conflict over the Strait of Hormuz.
- Its depth and location make it a challenging target for conventional bombs.
FAQ
What is Pickaxe Mountain?
Pickaxe Mountain (Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La) is an underground nuclear facility in Iran, located near the Natanz enrichment plant. It is believed to house advanced enrichment equipment and is heavily fortified beneath 100 meters of rock.
Why is Trump threatening to attack Pickaxe Mountain?
President Trump has stated the US is committed to stopping Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. He threatened a heavy strike on Pickaxe Mountain as part of broader military actions to force Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and curb its nuclear program.
Has Pickaxe Mountain been attacked before?
No. According to the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), Pickaxe Mountain was not targeted during the US-Israeli strikes in 2025 or 2026. The facility is still under construction and has not been directly attacked.
How deep is the Pickaxe Mountain facility?
Experts estimate the complex is buried almost 100 meters inside the mountain, making it a highly hardened target that would require specialized bunker-buster bombs to penetrate.
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