Iran allegedly hiding nuclear materials in underground tunnels, U.S. threatens strike
Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Israeli intelligence suggests Iran has moved nuclear materials to underground tunnels beneath Mount Pickaxe (Kolang).
- U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to strike the location, stating American forces are ready.
- The move raises concerns for the U.S. and Israel about Iran potentially rebuilding its nuclear program, despite ongoing negotiations.
Israeli intelligence agencies believe Iran has relocated significant nuclear materials to a vast underground tunnel system deep beneath Mount Pickaxe, also known as Mount Kolang, in Iran. This development has prompted U.S. President Donald Trump to threaten strikes against the location, asserting that American forces are prepared for such action.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Tehran moved thousands of uranium enrichment centrifuges to Mount Pickaxe last autumn, following a 12-day conflict in June when U.S. and Israeli forces conducted airstrikes on three key Iranian nuclear sites. Israeli intelligence claims the nuclear-related materials were transferred to the extensive tunnel network, fueling concerns in Washington and Jerusalem that Iran might be attempting to revive its nuclear program, even as it engages in nuclear arms deal negotiations.
According to the report, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been urging President Trump to resume large-scale attacks against Iran to further weaken its weapons program and reconstruction efforts. The U.S. has reportedly increased its strikes in recent days, with Trump indicating that an attack on Mount Pickaxe is imminent and will be carried out with "very, very great force."
Mount Pickaxe has been under surveillance by the U.S. and Israel for years. The underground complex is estimated to be between 91 to 127 meters below solid rock, offering ample space for multiple nuclear-related facilities. However, the report notes that the relocation of centrifuges does not definitively confirm Iran is building a new enrichment site there; it could simply be a measure to protect existing, functional centrifuges from destruction. It remains unclear where these centrifuges originated, and Iran has denied the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) access to the site since 2021.
America will be hitting that area soon and with very, very great force.
Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.