Surge in construction at suspected Iran nuclear site: analysts
CSIS said the site has shifted from excavation to internal construction and exterior reinforcement, suggesting a hardened nuclear shelter is being built.
- On Wednesday, the Center for Strategic and International Studies released satellite imagery analysis showing a "clear surge in construction activity" at Pickaxe Mountain in 2026, indicating a shift toward internal reinforcement near Iran's Natanz nuclear complex.
- Iran's nuclear program is "likely" using the deeply buried site as a safe haven for centrifuge assembly or uranium metal conversion efforts, according to CSIS analysts cited in the report.
- The Defense Department conducted a $1.2 million emergency test at White Sands Missile Range to validate capabilities against deeply buried targets, while military planners work on a "next-generation penetrator" weapon to succeed the Massive Ordnance Penetrator.
- President Donald Trump threatened last week to "take out" Pickaxe Mountain, telling reporters the U.S. knows "everybody that's moving" at the site amid escalating tensions with Iran.
- Experts warn that even the Pentagon's "heaviest non-nuclear" bombs may struggle to penetrate the granite fortification, underscoring the technical challenges facing any potential military strike operation against the deeply buried facility.
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Middle East live: Trump warns Iran 'not to get cute' over activity at Pickaxe mountain
President Donald Trump said on Wednesday the United States may hit Iran's Pickaxe Mountain, warning them "not to get cute." He also commented that oil prices that have surged because of the Iran war likely won’t come down until after US midterm elections, as his advisors warned the conflict could extend through the remainder of his presidency. Follow our liveblog for the latest updates.
"Surge In Construction" Seen At Iran's Suspected Nuke Site At Pickaxe Mountain: Report
Analysts at the Washington-based think tank reviewed satellite imagery spanning six years, and found "a clear surge in construction activity" this year, with Iran erecting "a security perimeter around the facility."
A research institute in the United States has revealed that Iran is building a new secret nuclear facility at Mount Pikkax, while the United States is developing new penetrating weapons to penetrate Iran's underground bases.
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- 59% of the sources are Center
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