Israeli intelligence networks have detected the mobilization of thousands of uranium enrichment centrifuges by Iran to an underground tunnel complex in Mount Pickaxe (also known as Mount Kolang). Tehran's strategic move has raised high-alert alarms in Washington and Tel Aviv, further escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
A report published by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) revealed that US President Donald Trump has even considered military options to strike the defensive site. This step emerged after Trump received a detailed intelligence assessment report from Israel regarding the potential resurgence of Iran's nuclear program.
The transfer of the sensitive materials allegedly occurred last autumn. Tehran took this step following a 12-day lightning war in June 2025, when combined US and Israeli air forces bombarded three of Iran's major nuclear installations. The Mount Pickaxe underground complex was reportedly chosen as a shelter to secure the remaining nuclear assets from potential subsequent attacks.
According to military analysis, the underground facility at Mount Pickaxe is built at a depth of approximately 90 to 137 meters beneath solid rock. With these specifications, the complex is designed to withstand conventional air strikes and serves as a replacement for the centrifuge assembly unit that was destroyed in a mysterious explosion back in 2020.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to urge Washington to take preventive military action to completely neutralize Iran's nuclear ambitions. Responding to the situation, Trump publicly stated that his administration continues to monitor Iran's movements and asserted the US's readiness to deploy major force in the near future if necessary.
To date, the level of transparency at the facility remains extremely low, as Iran has restricted monitoring access for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) since 2021. Neither the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs nor the IAEA has released an official statement regarding the alleged relocation of the underground nuclear facility.
