Iran has unveiled footage of a vast network of underground tunnels housing anti-ship cruise missiles, a move that comes amid heightened fears of a potential major bombing campaign by the United States. The video, disseminated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC) Telegram account, shows rows of missiles stored within a labyrinthine facility and a missile launch from a desert setting.
The release of the footage follows reports that the U.S. has alerted several Gulf Arab nations to prepare for a "short, intense bombardment" after the American midterm elections. U.S. officials have confirmed limited, defensive strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz.
In parallel, the Pentagon is reportedly sending an additional Patriot system to Israel from Texas, according to sources familiar with the movement. U.S. troops in the Middle East have also been repositioned from vulnerable bases in anticipation of potential escalation, The Wall Street Journal reported. American forces in the region are said to be restocking munitions, with bomber and fighter jets reportedly on standby.
Speculation is growing that the U.S. and Israel may be preparing for a significant offensive aimed at weakening Iran and prompting a diplomatic resolution. An additional aircraft-carrier strike group and Marine expeditionary unit are slated to join existing naval forces in the Middle East next month.
Former CIA agent John Kiriakou has claimed that President Donald Trump is considering the use of a tactical nuclear weapon against Iran's underground "Pickaxe Mountain" facility. Kiriakou suggested that Trump aims to "break the final taboo" surrounding nuclear weapons use. This claim was echoed by former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, who reported that Trump "may be within days of launching a nuclear strike on Iran."
Such a deployment would represent a major escalation, as nuclear weapons have not been used in conflict since World War II. Iran has previously discussed plans for nuclear enrichment centrifuges at Pickaxe Mountain, a complex believed to be capable of housing an enrichment plant, though its exact purpose remains unclear. Conventional bunker-buster bombs have reportedly struggled to penetrate the deep underground facility.
Fears of a potential nuclear strike were amplified when Iranian state TV broadcast a nuclear warning message, advising citizens on protective measures in the event of a blast. In Tehran, public anger was evident, with some citizens taking to the streets and billboards displaying anti-Trump messages.
Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, with Qatar acting as a mediator between Iran and the U.S. to avert further escalation. A senior Iranian official stated that a deal to end the conflict remains distant and that Tehran's conditions must be met for negotiations to proceed. Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson confirmed that both nations are reviewing proposals put forward by mediators, expressing hope for a resolution.
Despite the heightened tensions, President Trump recently cast doubt on his threats to resume military strikes after the midterms, stating that he believed Tehran desired a deal and that an agreement "could happen," later replying "No" when asked by reporters if he was considering striking Iran.
Iran's military leadership has indicated readiness to respond to any threat by updating target lists that include U.S. and Israeli assets. Officials have also raised the possibility of targeting bases beyond the Middle East used for launching attacks against Iran.