Trump Considers Targeting Iran's Pickaxe Mountain Nuclear Site
US President Donald Trump indicates potential military action against Iran's nuclear facility, emphasizing non-nuclear options.
Trump suggests possible strikes on Iran's Pickaxe Mountain to prevent nuclear weapon acquisition.
The site is reportedly deep underground, housing relocated nuclear centrifuges.
Iran denies any nuclear activity at the location, calling US threats unfounded.
In a significant statement on Thursday, US President Donald Trump revealed that the United States might target Iran's Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility in an effort to thwart Tehran's nuclear ambitions. Speaking to Newsmax, Trump emphasized that the US is exploring options to strike the site, which is situated deep underground, approximately 1.5 kilometers from Iran's Natanz nuclear facility.
The Pickaxe Mountain facility is believed to contain nuclear centrifuges that have been relocated from other sites, buried under millions of tons of granite. Trump remarked, "We may have to go there. We'll take a shot at that one. We'll knock it out fast," indicating a sense of urgency in addressing the perceived threat. He also clarified that the US would not resort to nuclear weapons, stating, "I wouldn't use nuclear. We don't have to."
The backdrop to these comments is the ongoing conflict that began in February, marked by US-Israeli strikes against Iranian targets. Trump reiterated that the US aims to prevent nuclear weapons from falling into Iranian hands, asserting that if Iran were to acquire such capabilities, they would likely use them. He also ruled out sending American ground troops into Iran, maintaining a focus on airstrikes instead.
Reports suggest that the Pickaxe Mountain site may be storing highly enriched uranium, which could be further processed for nuclear weapons. Trump did not confirm whether he had authorized the use of the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) against Iranian infrastructure, but he emphasized that the MOAB is not a nuclear weapon. The potential implications of targeting this facility could escalate tensions in the region significantly.
In response to the US threats, Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei dismissed the claims, asserting that no nuclear activities are taking place at Pickaxe Mountain. He characterized the US rhetoric as a fabricated pretext for aggression and sabotage, highlighting the ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two nations. As the situation develops, the international community will be closely monitoring any military actions or further statements from both sides.
