Anonymous US and Israeli officials told the Wall Street Journal on 20/7 that Iran appears to have moved thousands of centrifuges into an underground tunnel network beneath Pickaxe Mountain. This process reportedly began last fall, following the conclusion of a 12-day conflict in 6/2025.

Israeli intelligence shared this information with US officials, according to officials from both countries.

The complex at Pickaxe Mountain in a satellite image taken on 30/6. *Reuters*

It is unclear from which facility these centrifuges were withdrawn. The move to Pickaxe Mountain does not necessarily mean Iran has started a uranium enrichment facility there. Instead, it could be a measure to reduce the risk of them being destroyed in subsequent conflicts.

Iranian officials and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) did not comment on the information.

The White House cited an interview with President Donald Trump on 13/7, in which the US leader stated that Pickaxe Mountain is a "potential target for a large-scale attack".

Pickaxe Mountain, also known as Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La, is located in the Zagros mountain range, about 1.5 km from the Natanz nuclear facility. Iran has constructed two independent underground tunnel systems beneath the mountain; the first project began in 2007, and the second took shape starting in 2020.

The Pickaxe complex is believed to be a replacement site for an Iranian centrifuge assembly facility, which was severely damaged after a suspected sabotage explosion in 2020. The US and Israel have monitored Pickaxe Mountain for years but have gathered little information about activities at the site.

Vehicles at the western tunnel entrance of the Pickaxe Mountain facility in a satellite image taken on 21/6. *AP*

Western experts acknowledge that any airstrikes targeting this site would face many challenges. According to Hill, the Pickaxe Mountain facility is located approximately 600 m deep under solid granite, making it an "impenetrable nuclear fortress" against all types of bombs currently in the US military's arsenal.

Iran does not allow the IAEA access to the Pickaxe complex and has not provided any information about activities there. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated in March that Iran had announced its intention to conduct nuclear activities there in 2021.

The Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) observed significant activity in the Pickaxe Mountain area over the past 15 months, including vehicles constantly entering and exiting, reinforced tunnels, and a security perimeter established around the facility.

Nguyen Tien (According to AP, Times of Israel, Wall Street Journal)