Pickaxe Mountain: Iran's Underground Nuclear Facility Trump 2026

Pickaxe Mountain, Iran's fortified underground nuclear facility, is at the center of renewed threats from President Donald Trump. Located 220km south of Tehran and just 2km from the Natanz enrichment site, this secret complex has become a flashpoint in escalating US-Iran tensions. Experts believe the facility is buried nearly 100 meters inside the mountain and may still be under construction.

Where Is Pickaxe Mountain?

Pickaxe Mountain, known in Iran as Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La, sits in Isfahan province. Its proximity to Natanz—home to two of Iran’s uranium enrichment plants—makes it a strategic military target. The Natanz site was bombed during the 2025 and 2026 US-Israeli strikes, but Pickaxe Mountain was not hit in those rounds, according to the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS).

History of the Facility

Construction of Pickaxe Mountain began in 2020, following an explosion at Natanz that Iran attributed to sabotage. At the time, Iran’s nuclear chief Ali Akbar Salehi stated that the country would accelerate its nuclear program. The underground facility is designed to be hardened against airstrikes, with reinforced tunnels and advanced ventilation systems.

Why Is Trump Threatening Pickaxe Mountain Now?

Trump’s latest remarks came after weeks of US strikes aimed at forcing Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. On Tuesday, he told reporters the military would be “hitting that area pretty soon, and very heavily.” The threats signal a shift from targeting maritime routes to directly confronting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Analysts warn that an attack on Pickaxe Mountain could escalate into a wider conflict.

Comparison of Iranian Nuclear Sites

Key Takeaways

• Pickaxe Mountain is a fortified underground nuclear facility near Natanz, Iran.
• Construction began in 2020 after a sabotage attack at Natanz.
• Trump threatens to bomb the site as part of efforts to halt Iran’s nuclear program.
• The facility is buried 100 meters inside a mountain, making it resistant to conventional airstrikes.
• Previous US-Israeli strikes in 2025 and 2026 did not target Pickaxe Mountain.

International Reactions

The international community has voiced concern over the escalating rhetoric. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has called for restraint, while European powers urge diplomatic solutions. Iran has warned that any attack on its nuclear sites will be met with severe retaliation.

Experts note that destroying Pickaxe Mountain would require bunker-busting bombs or a sustained bombing campaign. The US military possesses such munitions, but their use could draw Iran into a broader war.

FAQ

In summary, Pickaxe Mountain represents a critical piece of Iran’s nuclear strategy. Its hardened underground design makes it a difficult target, but Trump’s threats raise the stakes for both nations. The coming weeks will determine whether diplomacy or military action prevails.