Iran’s Nuclear Site Raises Concerns Amid Ongoing Conflict
New assessments reveal that Iran’s most perilous nuclear facility is buried up to 100 meters below a granite mountain, prompting experts to call for urgent action to neutralize it before the U.S. military engagement with Iran concludes. Andrea Stricker, a nonproliferation expert, emphasized that two critical objectives must be fulfilled: disabling the Pickaxe Mountain site and securing or eliminating stocks of highly enriched uranium.
This issue arises as the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) released figures indicating that U.S. and Israeli forces began Operation Epic Fury in late February, targeting over 7,800 locations in Iran as the conflict stretches into its 18th day.
High-resolution satellite images from mid-February show an increase in activity at the Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La site, known as Pickaxe Mountain. Reports suggest Iran is reinforcing this site to withstand possible airstrikes. Observations include construction at tunnel entrances that enhance protection against attacks.
“The efforts at Pickaxe Mountain increase the toughness of the site and guard against airstrikes,” stated a report from the Institute for Science and International Security. It has been noted that piles of construction materials were visible near these tunnel exits.
Preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapon capabilities has been a stated objective for U.S. officials. In June 2025, strikes targeted various nuclear facilities, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Reports indicate that Iran had amassed about 441 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% at that time, which could be further processed into weapons-grade material.
Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, confirmed that about 200 kilograms of highly enriched uranium are still believed to be stored in tunnels at a nuclear complex near Isfahan.
On March 9, former President Donald Trump reiterated concerns over Iran’s attempts to resume nuclear activities in deeper facilities, asserting that the country is still pursuing nuclear weapon capabilities despite previous strikes on significant sites.
Stricker pointed out that Trump likely referenced Pickaxe Mountain, where Iran claims to be constructing a centrifuge assembly facility. This site is just a mile from the Natanz enrichment plant. The level of protection offered by the mountain raises alarms about potential future uranium enrichment activities.
As tensions escalate, recent reports also suggest that Israeli forces may be closely monitoring this site, underscoring the ongoing vigilance surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
