Donald Trump's latest statement has once again heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. This time, the U.S. President-elect specifically mentioned Iran's "Pickaxe Mountain" (Kuh-e Kolang) as one of the potential targets on his military radar. This statement has sparked global public curiosity regarding the location and strategic significance of the mountainous region.
Geographically, Pickaxe Mountain or Kuh-e Kolang is part of the Zagros mountain range that spans central Iran. The mountain is located very close to the legendary Natanz nuclear complex. For years, the area has been the focus of Western intelligence due to its massive and highly secretive underground construction projects.
Iran has reportedly built a new nuclear facility deep inside Pickaxe Mountain to protect it from potential airstrikes and bunker-buster bombs from the US or Israel. The tunnels excavated beneath the rocky mountain are estimated to be tens of meters deep, making it one of the most impenetrable defense sites in the world.
Trump's move targeting this area indicates that the US continues to adopt a maximum pressure policy against Tehran's nuclear program. Analysts believe this threat is not only aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions but also serves as a diplomatic bluff to push Iran back to the negotiating table under stricter terms.
