US President Donald Trump stated the US is "not done" with Iran and will not withdraw, emphasizing that Iran would need 20-25 years to rebuild if American forces left. He made these remarks to reporters during a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House.

Addressing reports that Iran has moved centrifuges to an underground facility beneath Mount Pickaxe, President Trump stated the US has no current proof of this. However, he affirmed US concern over Iran's nuclear material and its intent to launch operations where such materials are stored. "We will very likely attack this area soon, and they cannot stop us," Trump asserted. "We will attack that place very soon and very fiercely." He added that he typically refrains from discussing such matters unless he believes the target is unable to counter.

US President Donald Trump at the White House on 21/7. Photo: AFP

Mount Pickaxe, also known as Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La, is situated in the Zagros mountain range, approximately 1,5 km from the Natanz nuclear facility. Western experts acknowledge that any airstrikes targeting this location would face significant challenges. According to The Hill, the facility at Mount Pickaxe lies about 600 m beneath solid granite, rendering it an "impenetrable nuclear fortress" against all current US military bombs.

President Trump's comments follow days of tit-for-tat attacks between the US and Iran. On 21/7, US Central Command (CENTCOM), responsible for US military operations in the Middle East, announced its 11th consecutive night of airstrikes. These operations aim to "weaken Iran's ability to threaten shipping in the strait of Hormuz."

In retaliation for US attacks, Iran has targeted several regional countries, including Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain. On 20/7, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it had targeted US air defense and radar systems in the region. The IRGC also claimed to have launched missiles that destroyed an Amazon data center in Bahrain.

Separately, President Trump downplayed the threat posed by Houthi forces, who had declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia. "This has not happened so far. We will deal with the problem when it arises," Trump stated, recalling previous US actions against the group. He described a past 45-day US military operation against the Houthis as "fierce," noting, "We had no problem with the Houthis. They also haven't caused us trouble for a long time, even in the current conflict."

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, CNN, Reuters, AP)