Pickaxe Mountain, also known as Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La, is Iran's fortified underground nuclear facility that former President Trump has threatened to strike. Located 220 km south of Tehran and just 2 km from the Natanz enrichment plant, this site represents a critical component of Iran's nuclear program. The threat of military action has once again placed this secretive facility in the global spotlight, raising questions about its purpose and the risks of escalation.
Where Is Pickaxe Mountain Located?
The facility is situated deep within a mountain near the city of Natanz in Isfahan province. According to the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), it lies almost 100 meters inside the mountain, making it extremely difficult to destroy with conventional bombs. The site is still under construction and has not been targeted in previous US-Israeli strikes in 2025 and 2026.
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| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from Tehran | 220 km (140 miles) south |
| Distance from Natanz | 2 km (1.2 miles) |
| Burial depth | ~100 meters inside mountain |
| Construction start | 2020 |
| Status | Still under construction |
Why Is Pickaxe Mountain a Target?
The United States and Israel have long sought to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Pickaxe Mountain is believed to house centrifuge assembly and testing facilities, potentially enabling Iran to enrich uranium faster and more resiliently. Trump’s recent threats come amid renewed US airstrikes aimed at forcing Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but the president has made clear that stopping Iran’s nuclear ambitions remains a top priority.
Previous Attacks on Natanz
The Natanz site has been bombed before—during the US-Israel war that began on February 28 and during a 12-day conflict in 2025. However, the underground complex at Pickaxe Mountain was deliberately avoided in both rounds, likely because of its depth and incomplete construction. Experts warn that any attempt to destroy it would require bunker-buster bombs or even special forces operations.
Key Takeaways
- Pickaxe Mountain is a fortified underground nuclear facility near Natanz, Iran.
- Construction began in 2020 after a reported sabotage explosion at Natanz.
- The facility is buried almost 100 meters inside a mountain, making it a hardened target.
- Trump has threatened to “hit that area pretty soon, and very heavily.”
- Previous US-Israeli strikes in 2025 and 2026 did not target this site.
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 sensitive centrifuge equipment and is still under construction.
Why is Trump threatening to attack it?
President Trump has stated that the US is committed to preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. He sees the facility as a key part of Iran’s program and has promised a heavy strike if diplomatic efforts fail.
Can the US destroy Pickaxe Mountain?
Because the facility is buried ~100 meters inside a mountain, standard airstrikes may not be effective. The US would likely need specialized bunker-buster bombs such as the GBU-57 MOP (Massive Ordnance Penetrator) to cause significant damage.
As tensions mount, the world watches whether the standoff over the Strait of Hormuz will escalate into a direct confrontation with Iran’s nuclear program. The fate of Pickaxe Mountain may become a defining moment in US-Iran relations. Stay informed as this story develops.
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