What is Pickaxe Mountain, the Iranian nuclear facility Trump is threatening to strike? - CNBC

What the report says

CNBC reported that President Donald Trump has threatened U.S. strikes on Pickaxe Mountain, an underground site near Iran’s Natanz nuclear complex, saying from Washington that the area could be hit “pretty soon” and “very heavily.” The remarks have elevated scrutiny of a facility CNBC described as among Iran’s most protected nuclear-related sites, at a time of heightened U.S.-Iran tensions.

According to CNBC, U.S. Central Command has carried out strikes on Iranian targets for 11 consecutive nights, including military operations centers, drone storage sites and logistics infrastructure linked to the Strait of Hormuz. CNBC also reported that Washington and Tehran had signed a June 17 interim memorandum halting military operations, reopening Hormuz and creating a 60-day negotiating period, though the future management of the strait remained unresolved.

Iranian officials warned against any U.S. attack on Pickaxe Mountain. CNBC cited Iran’s Khatam Al-Anbiya military command, via state broadcaster IRIB, saying such a strike would amount to a major escalation in the region and could prompt attacks on U.S. and allied interests. Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei rejected the U.S. focus on Kolang Kouh, saying no nuclear activity was occurring there and calling U.S. attacks on nuclear facilities unlawful.

CNBC said Pickaxe Mountain, known in Iran as Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La, lies south of Natanz and began construction in 2020. Citing the Institute for Science and International Security, CNBC reported Iran had said the site would replace a damaged centrifuge plant. Satellite-based assessments cited by CNBC indicate expanded tunnel and security work, but researchers said it remains unclear when, or whether, the facility could become operational.