Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson has claimed that former President Donald Trump may be days away from authorizing a nuclear strike against Iran's 'Pickaxe Mountain' facility, a move he stated would make World War III 'inevitable.' Carlson alleged on social media that Trump is facing pressure from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he described as 'cornered and desperate.'
There has been no official confirmation of an impending strike from the U.S. or Israeli governments. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Carlson cited an unnamed 'informed observer' who he claimed stated that Netanyahu calls Trump about the matter daily.
The claim follows a recent campaign rally where Trump threatened Iran with 'the hammer,' stating, 'But at some point we’re going to have to give them the hammer.' He made these remarks after a call with Netanyahu concerning ramped-up combat operations against Tehran.
Carlson posted on X, formerly Twitter, that 'After the first nuclear strike, World War Three is inevitable. That war would be short and final.' His post has been viewed by over 28 million users.
Pickaxe Mountain, officially Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La, is located on the south side of Iran's Natanz nuclear enrichment site. This facility was previously targeted by the U.S. during Operation Midnight Hammer in 2025, amid a conflict between Iran and Israel. It is one of the few Iranian nuclear-related sites that has not been directly struck by the U.S. or Israel. Unsubstantiated reports suggest that some of Iran's highly enriched uranium may be stored there, potentially for enrichment into weapons-grade material.
Recent satellite imagery indicates ongoing construction at the site. According to the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), construction began in 2020 after Iranian authorities reported an explosion at the Natanz site, which they attributed to sabotage. At the time, Iran's then-nuclear chief announced the construction of a larger facility within the mountain to house advanced centrifuges for uranium enrichment.
Experts agree that the scale of the underground facility suggests Iran could use it for enriching uranium and building centrifuges. Protected by anti-aircraft batteries and the Revolutionary Guard, the facility spans approximately 2.7 square kilometers. Analysis suggests it is built between 80 to 100 meters underground, potentially deeper, making it a target for specialized munitions like the GBU-57, designed to penetrate deep underground.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson has previously stated that no nuclear activity is occurring at Pickaxe Mountain, calling U.S. threats a 'fabricated pretext for aggression.'
Trump himself has made prior threats regarding the facility. In July, he told reporters, 'We'll have to take out Pickaxe if we don't make a deal.' He also mentioned the possibility of using the Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) bomb, though its size poses delivery challenges. The U.S. has previously utilized the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) for strikes on underground nuclear facilities.