President Donald Trump said Monday that the United States has the fortified Iranian nuclear facility known as Pickaxe Mountain in its sights.
Trump made the comments during an interview with radio host Hugh Hewitt. “We have eyes on it and Pickaxe Mountain is a possible target for a nice big fat shot right in the front door,” he said. “Tell the Iranians to be ready. There is not a damn thing they can do about it.”
The site, formally known as Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La, lies in Isfahan province roughly one mile south of the Natanz uranium enrichment plant. Construction began in 2020. Iranian officials have described it as a replacement for a centrifuge plant destroyed in a suspected Israeli operation.
Analysts say the complex sits at least 100 meters underground. Satellite imagery reviewed by the Institute for Science and International Security shows continued fortification work, including a double security perimeter built in 2025 and vehicle activity near tunnel entrances in late June.
Jonathan Schanzer of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies called the site Iran’s potential “Alamo.” Jason Brodsky of United Against Nuclear Iran said neutralization may require a ground component because conventional strikes could prove insufficient.
