Donald Trump has once again raised the specter of military action against Iran, this time targeting a suspected underground nuclear facility hidden beneath the so-called “Pickaxe Mountain” in central Iran. During a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House on Tuesday, Trump declared that the U.S. would soon strike the area “with full force,” describing it as a potential “hübschen, großen, fetten Schuss”, a “nice, big, fat shot” into Iran’s door. This statement echoes similar remarks he made during an interview earlier in the week, where he hinted at the possibility of attacking the site, which is believed to house a key component of Iran’s nuclear program. The Pickaxe Mountain, officially known as Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La, lies approximately 1.5 kilometers south of Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, one of the country’s most critical centers for uranium enrichment. While the exact nature of the site remains classified, intelligence assessments suggest it hosts an underground complex that may include advanced centrifuges used to enrich uranium. The U.S. and its allies have long sought to disrupt Iran’s nuclear capabilities, particularly after a series of attacks on Natanz in 2020, which Iran attributed to Israeli sabotage. According to commercial satellite imagery analyzed by the Washington-based Institute for Science and International Security, the complex under Pickaxe Mountain has undergone extensive construction since 2020. These images reveal multiple tunnel entrances, access roads, and security installations, all indicative of a well-developed underground structure. The institute estimates that parts of the facility may extend as deep as 80 to 100 meters below the surface, making it significantly harder to reach than existing Iranian nuclear sites such as Fordo, which sits around 60 to 90 meters underground. Despite the growing evidence of activity at the site, the Iranian government has remained largely silent, refusing to grant access to international inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has stated that without physical inspections, his organization cannot confirm the presence of nuclear materials or equipment at the location. This lack of transparency has fueled speculation among analysts and intelligence agencies, who warn that the site could represent a major escalation in Iran’s efforts to safeguard its nuclear infrastructure. The U.S. has previously targeted other Iranian nuclear facilities using bunker-busting bombs, notably during a coordinated air campaign in June 2025. However, these strikes did not focus on the Pickaxe Mountain, likely due to its depth and the difficulty of delivering effective ordnance to such a location. Analysts suggest that the site’s strategic value stems not only from its depth but also from its proximity to Natanz, potentially allowing Iran to consolidate its nuclear capabilities in a more secure environment. During a press briefing, Trump was asked directly about the possibility of centrifuges being relocated to the site. He responded ambiguously, stating that while it was possible, it did not change the course of U.S. policy. He emphasized that the decision to strike would depend on the presence of “material”, likely referring to highly enriched uranium, rather than the specific location of the centrifuges themselves. This approach aligns with broader U.S. strategy of focusing on the flow of nuclear materials rather than individual facilities. As tensions continue to mount, the question remains: how will the U.S. respond to the growing complexity of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure? With the Pickaxe Mountain representing a potential new front in the ongoing struggle over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, the coming weeks may see increased diplomatic pressure, intelligence gathering, or even further military action. For now, however, the fate of this hidden facility remains shrouded in secrecy, leaving the world to watch and wait.
3 reports
Deutsche Welle (English)State / PublicCenterFactual 85Objective 708 days agoA mysterious underground complex near Iran's Natanz nuclear facility, referred to as Pickaxe Mountain, has drawn international attention amid speculation that it might be targeted by the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump suggested the site could be a potential target for a military strike, citing possible presence of uranium centrifuges. Iran has warned of escalating conflict if such a strike occurs. The complex, located in Isfahan province, remains largely unexplored due to restricted access by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Information about the site primarily comes from satellite imagery and intelligence assessments. Construction at the site has continued since 2020, with increased activity following a 2020 explosion at the Natanz facility. Some reports suggest that Iran may have relocated sensitive equipment to this underground location.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the underground complex and quotes both U.S. President Trump and IAEA director general Rafael Grossi without overtly favoring either side. It provides context from multiple perspectives, including Iran’s warnings and the lack of IAEA verification, while
Why factuality (85): The English version of the Deutsche Welle article provides similar information to the German version, including Trump's comments, the location of the site, and the role of satellite imagery. It references Maxar Technologies and the damage to Natanz in 2020, which are corroborated by other sources. T
Why objectivity (70): While the article presents the situation objectively, it includes quotes from Trump and highlights the threat from Iran, which could be interpreted as giving more weight to the U.S. perspective. The language is somewhat sensational, such as 'drawing global attention,' which may imply greater signifi
Frankfurter Allgemeine (FAZ)Independent🔒ConservativeFactual 85Objective 7010 days agoDonald Trump has once again threatened Iran, this time referencing a potential nuclear facility located beneath 'Pickaxe Mountain' (Spitzhackenberg), a mountain inside Iran. During a meeting with Lebanese President Michel Aoun at the White House, Trump stated that the U.S. would soon target this area with significant force. The site, known as Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La, is believed to contain a tunnel complex potentially housing a nuclear installation deeper underground than the Fordo facility, which was struck by bunker-busting bombs in June 2025. Analysts suggest the location might have multiple levels and entrances, based on satellite imagery analyzed by the Washington Institute for Science and Security (ISIS). The site was constructed after explosions damaged the nearby Natanz nuclear facility in 2020, likely due to Israeli sabotage.
Bias read (Conservative): The article presents Trump’s aggressive rhetoric toward Iran using strong, militaristic language such as 'voll Wucht' ('full force') and 'hübschen, großen, fetten Schuss' ('a beautiful, big, fat shot'), which frames the situation as a justified military action. It emphasizes U.S. capabilities and om
Why factuality (85): The article references specific details about the 'Pickaxe Mountain' location, including its name, potential nuclear facility, and Trump's statements. It cites the Washington Institute for Science and Security (ISIS) regarding the depth of the Fordo facility and the types of bombs used. While these
Why objectivity (70): The article presents the situation from a U.S. perspective, emphasizing Trump's threats and the strategic importance of the site. It uses emotionally charged language ('hübschen, großen, fetten Schuss') and frames the issue as a potential military action, which introduces bias. While it acknowledges
Deutsche Welle (Deutsch)State / PublicCenterFactual 80Objective 758 days ago Iran: New nuclear facility under the Pickaxe Mountain?The article discusses speculation about a new Iranian underground nuclear facility located near the 'Pickaxe Mountain' in central Iran. This site, known internationally, has been under scrutiny due to ongoing construction activities observed via satellite imagery since 2020. The U.S. has expressed concerns over potential military action against such sites, citing the risk posed by Iran's nuclear program. Despite efforts by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to gain access, the Iranian government has remained silent, withholding information about the location and nature of the facility. While some experts suggest the facility could be as deep as 80-100 meters below ground, making it more resilient to attacks, much remains unknown about its exact location and operational status.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the situation, highlighting both U.S. concerns and Iranian secrecy, while emphasizing the lack of concrete information. It does not overtly favor one side over the other but reports on the geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran's nuclear program. The focus,
Why factuality (80): This article provides a detailed account of the 'Pickaxe Mountain' location, referencing the IAEA's lack of access and reliance on satellite imagery. It mentions the proximity to Natanz and the increased activity since 2020, which aligns with cross-source reporting. However, it stops mid-sentence, s
Why objectivity (75): The article maintains a relatively neutral tone, presenting facts about the site and the lack of transparency from Iran. It avoids taking sides in the political conflict and focuses on the available evidence. However, it slightly emphasizes the mystery and secrecy around the site, which could be see
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