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Satellite imagery indicates Iran is continuing construction at a mysterious underground facility known as Pickaxe Mountain, located south of the Natanz nuclear complex, in the months following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes in June Washington Post reports.
Analysts say the tunnels may reach 260 to 330 feet deep, possibly intended for covert uranium enrichment or secure storage of near-weapons-grade uranium. International inspectors have never visited the site, and Tehran has rebuffed inquiries from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Recent imagery shows continued activity, including:
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Experts say the activity likely aims to harden the site against future airstrikes rather than indicate a sudden rush to produce nuclear weapons. U.S. and Israeli strikes in June damaged Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan facilities, rendering Iran’s 22,000 centrifuges inoperable.
“The fact they’re continuing to build this is significant,” said Sarah Burkhard, of the Institute for Science and International Security. Analysts note that Iran appears cautious in rebuilding its nuclear capabilities, prioritizing secrecy over speed.
A White House official said President Donald Trump has vowed to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, according to WP. The CIA declined to comment, and the location of Iran’s 60-percent-enriched uranium stockpile remains unclear.
Iranian officials, including Ali Larijani of the Supreme National Security Council, said the sites have not been abandoned, leaving open the possibility of continued operations. Analysts caution that Iran may continue underground work without rushing, maintaining the potential to reconstitute its nuclear program if it chooses.
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