Deep beneath the Iranian mountains, a secret nuclear site is taking shape – fuelling US warnings of an impending strike. Pickaxe Mountain, also known as Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La, has been at the centre of a simmering international crisis, with renewed threats from President Donald Trump amid a prolonged campaign to restrict Iran's nuclear ambitions.
Located 220km south of Tehran and just 2km from the Natanz nuclear facility, Pickaxe Mountain is an enigmatic complex that has piqued the interest of experts. Its construction began in 2020, reportedly following an alleged act of sabotage at Natanz, and is believed to be still underway. Estimates suggest it's buried almost 100 metres inside the mountain, making it a highly fortified site. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief, Rafael Grossi, noted in March that Iran had indicated its intention to conduct nuclear activity at Pickaxe Mountain as part of a broader strategy to underground its most sensitive facilities.
Despite heightened tensions, US intelligence suggests there's currently no activity at the site – an admission made by President Trump himself. However, he warned that the US military would soon target the area "pretty soon, and very heavily". The Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), a US-based think tank focused on nuclear non-proliferation, has analysed satellite imagery of the site, revealing two pairs of entrances and a recently completed security wall. While eastern tunnel entrances have been hardened and partially backfilled to impede ground vehicle access, they are not fully sealed – potentially complicating any attempts to target the facility with penetrating munitions.
For British citizens, these escalating tensions in the Middle East carry significant implications. While the UK Government has maintained a cautious stance on Trump's latest threats, the Foreign Office continues to advise against all travel to Iran due to the volatile security situation. Those already in the country are urged to carefully consider their security situation. Any military action against Iranian nuclear facilities could trigger a wider regional conflict, potentially impacting global oil prices and disrupting international trade routes – including those vital for UK imports and exports.
The Natanz facility, where two of Iran's uranium enrichment plants are situated, has been targeted previously in both the 2025 and 2026 conflicts involving the US and Israel. However, Pickaxe Mountain itself remains unscathed by these operations. The ongoing construction and lack of clarity on when the facility might become operational – or indeed if Iran still intends to install a large-scale assembly there – add layers of complexity to the situation, making future developments highly uncertain.
As tensions continue to escalate between the US and Iran, one thing is clear: Pickaxe Mountain's fate will have far-reaching implications for global security and trade. With UK interests at stake, British readers would do well to keep a close eye on this unfolding crisis.