The United States and Israel are evaluating potential military action against Pickaxe Mountain—a heavily fortified Iranian nuclear site near Natanz—amid escalating tensions and conflicting reports about the feasibility and scope of such an operation.
Recent Developments
On the day of US midterm elections, Iran released footage showing a vast tunnel network lined with anti-ship cruise missiles, according to reporting from the Daily Mail. The video, published by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Telegram account, includes footage of missile launches from a desert landscape. Separately, multiple outlets reported that the US has taken steps to prepare for potential strikes, including repositioning troops, restocking munitions, and deploying additional missile defense systems to Israel.
Potential Target: Pickaxe Mountain
Several sources have focused on Pickaxe Mountain (Mount Kolang), a deeply buried facility near Iran’s Natanz uranium enrichment plant. Reports from Newsweek and The Jerusalem Post indicate that the site may house centrifuges and enriched uranium, though its exact purpose remains unverified. Israeli intelligence assessments cited by Newsweek suggest Iran moved nuclear-related equipment to the site after previous strikes on Natanz.
Conflicting Claims on Nuclear Options
A former CIA agent, John Kiriakou, told Piers Morgan Uncensored that the Trump administration is considering a nuclear strike on Pickaxe Mountain to ensure destruction of the underground facility, framing it as a potential effort to "break the final taboo" around nuclear use. Meanwhile, The Jerusalem Post cited Tucker Carlson’s claim that Trump said the US could strike the site "in one hour" and that Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been pressing for action. Carlson also alleged that Trump described the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb (MOAB) as "like a tiny nuclear bomb," though Trump has stated it is non-nuclear.
Military Preparations and Regional Tensions
The Daily Mail reported that the US has repositioned troops away from vulnerable bases in the Middle East and sent an additional Patriot missile defense system to Israel. The outlet also noted that an aircraft-carrier strike group and Marine expeditionary unit may join a fleet of roughly 20 warships already operating in the region. Earlier, US officials confirmed limited defensive strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, describing the attacks as "limited and defensive."
Feasibility and Risks of Striking Pickaxe Mountain
Analysts cited by Newsweek and The Jerusalem Post question whether conventional bunker-buster bombs—including the GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP)—can penetrate the facility’s estimated 300 feet of granite. Newsweek noted that Israel lacks the necessary bombs to destroy the site, and even the US’s most powerful conventional weapons may be insufficient. The facility’s depth and construction have led to speculation about the potential use of nuclear weapons, though no official confirmation has been provided.
International Reactions and Diplomatic Context
The reported discussions come amid heightened regional tensions, with Iran’s release of missile footage coinciding with US midterm elections. The Daily Mail noted that Gulf Arab countries have been told to prepare for a potential short, intense bombardment. Meanwhile, Newsweek highlighted Israel’s political dynamics, suggesting Netanyahu may seek action to bolster his position following recent elections.
Background: Iran’s Nuclear Program and Prior Strikes
Iran’s nuclear program has been a longstanding point of contention, with the US and Israel previously conducting cyberattacks and airstrikes targeting nuclear facilities. The Natanz enrichment plant has been a focal point of these operations, and Iran has vowed to continue its nuclear activities despite international pressure. The potential strike on Pickaxe Mountain would represent a significant escalation, with unclear consequences for regional stability and global non-proliferation efforts.