Iran is accelerating construction on a secret underground nuclear facility located deep within Pickaxe Mountain, even as Washington warns of potential military action. According to a six-year satellite imagery analysis published by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and reported by The New York Post, construction at the mountain stronghold near the Natanz nuclear facility surged sharply throughout 2026.
Satellite Analysis Reveals Deep Mountain Construction
The CSIS analysis highlights a marked increase in building activity aimed at transforming the site into a heavily reinforced subterranean hub for Iran’s nuclear program. Researchers noted that work picked up pace significantly in October 2025. At that time, Israel warned the Trump administration that Iran was allegedly moving centrifuge machines and uranium components into the underground base. CSIS did not comment on that specific claim.
The latest research details specific structural upgrades observed at the site. According to the CSIS report, workers focused on raising and strengthening portal access structures, hardening internal road networks, reinforcing access zones, and leveling land to dispose of excavated debris. The facility lies at a depth of more than 91 meters, while other assessments place the hazard buried up to 99,9 meters beneath Gunung Kolang.
Ceasefire Violations and Trump’s Threats
The expansion at Pickaxe Mountain continued unabated during a temporary ceasefire agreement with the United States. Researchers found that the ongoing heavy construction directly violated the terms of the memorandum of understanding established between the parties. Despite these diplomatic arrangements, activity remained at high levels throughout the period covered by the MOU.
This deep underground positioning has sparked direct warnings from Washington. President Donald Trump told reporters that the United States might strike Pickaxe in the near future. However, destroying the facility presents major engineering challenges for military planners because the base is buried far too deep for standard munitions. The largest U.S. bunker-buster bomb, the GBU-57, can only penetrate up to 60 meters of earth before detonating, falling short of the mountain’s deepest chambers. Meanwhile, CNN reported that the United States is currently developing a new generation of munitions, with secret tests indicating these advanced weapons can penetrate rock types similar to those found at Gunung Pickaxe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Pickaxe Mountain facility located?
The underground facility is situated in a mountain stronghold located near Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility.
How deep is the underground nuclear base?
According to research cited by CSIS, the project is located at depths ranging from over 91 meters to approximately 99,9 meters beneath Gunung Kolang.
Can current U.S. bunker-buster bombs destroy Pickaxe Mountain?
Standard U.S. bunker-buster bombs, such as the GBU-57, reach a maximum penetration depth of 60 meters, making it difficult to reach the deepest parts of the facility.
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