President Trump is reportedly considering a strategy to disrupt Iran's nuclear weapons program by targeting the entrances to a highly fortified underground facility known as Pickaxe Mountain. This approach, suggested by nuclear expert Andrea Stricker, aims to prevent Iran from restarting its nuclear activities.
Stricker, who directs the nonproliferation program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, noted that one set of tunnels at Pickaxe Mountain is hardened, while another remains open, with ongoing construction and vehicle activity observed. "If they’re not effective, you could be left with the options of simply destroying the tunnel entrances with precision munitions," Stricker stated, adding that such an action could deny access and allow for continued aerial monitoring. The facility is described as being located hundreds of feet underground, potentially protected by granite, making conventional bunker-buster bombs less effective.
President Trump has previously indicated his focus on Pickaxe Mountain. In an interview last month, he stated, "We have eyes on it and Pickaxe Mountain is a possible target for a nice big fat shot right in the front door…We’re watching Pickaxe Mountain very closely." He further asserted in a later interview on July 28, "We’re going to take out Pickaxe Mountain. Tell the Iranians to be ready."
US and Israeli strikes in June 2025 and again in the war that began in February are credited with setting back Iran's nuclear program by several years. However, Iran has not acceded to US pressure to ensure free shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. still possesses significant munitions, and Trump has threatened Iran with severe consequences if a deal is not reached. Despite Iran's claims of being in the final stages of a deal with Qatar and Oman to partially ensure passage through the Strait of Hormuz, Trump has maintained a strong stance.
An analysis by the Institute for Science and International Security noted that it remains unclear when Pickaxe Mountain might become operational, based solely on satellite imagery. The analysis also raised questions about Iran's capacity to rebuild its centrifuge manufacturing capabilities, which could affect plans for a large-scale assembly facility at the site. However, if Iran re-establishes its ability to produce centrifuge components, it might still intend to build a smaller assembly facility at Pickaxe Mountain to support a nuclear weapons program.
Stricker mentioned that the repeated strikes have extended Iran's nuclear breakout timeline by as much as 2.5 years. Trump himself has expressed optimism that continued pressure would weaken Iran's resolve, stating at a cabinet meeting, "They’ll get weaker. They’ll get a little stronger, maybe, but they’ll get weaker, and then they peter out."