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๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฑ Israel /Energy & Infrastructure

Iran hiding centrifuges at Pickaxe Mountain, nuclear program 'not destroyed,' source tells 'Post'

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A senior diplomatic source claims Iran is hiding centrifuges at Pickaxe Mountain, indicating its nuclear program is not destroyed.
  • Israel believes Iran's nuclear program has been set back but not eliminated, and is prepared to act again if Iran rebuilds it.
  • Prime Minister Netanyahu met with US President Trump to discuss curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions and presented maps to counter Israeli withdrawal calls from Syria.

Iran is concealing centrifuges at a location known as Pickaxe Mountain, where nuclear enrichment continues, according to a senior diplomatic source speaking to The Jerusalem Post. This assertion suggests that Iran's nuclear program has not been dismantled as some might believe.

The goal is how to bring the nuclear program to an end.

โ€” senior diplomatic sourceExplaining Israel's assessment of Iran's nuclear program.

The source emphasized that while Israel has successfully hindered Iran's nuclear capabilities by targeting scientists, enrichment facilities, and infrastructure, these efforts have only temporarily set back the program. "The goal is how to bring the nuclear program to an end," the source stated, adding that Israel would not hesitate to intervene again if Iran attempts to revive its nuclear program or ballistic missile array.

During a recent meeting with US President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented maps to counter arguments for an Israeli withdrawal from Syrian territory. The maps reportedly showed Turkey controlling a larger portion of Syrian land than Israel. Netanyahu argued that Israel's presence in Syria is crucial for countering threats from Iran, Hezbollah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and other militant groups.

There are centrifuges at Pickaxe Mountain where enrichment is currently taking place.

โ€” senior diplomatic sourceAsserting that Iran continues nuclear activities.

The discussion with Trump, however, primarily focused on Iran's nuclear program. The source indicated that Trump is considering three potential courses of action: pursuing a new agreement, intensifying economic sanctions, or escalating military action. The source described the meeting as a "genuine consultation" where each option was thoroughly examined.

Sometimes the president has certain assumptions, and if you don't change them, they become fixed.

โ€” senior diplomatic sourceExplaining Prime Minister Netanyahu's decision to present visual information to President Trump.

The source also highlighted the severe economic pressure on Iran, citing shortages of gas and fuel, long queues at stations, high inflation, and public protests. The regime's primary concern, according to the source, is economic collapse, which could lead to widespread unrest. Israel has also stated it will respond directly if Iran attacks it or neighboring countries.

This was not a meeting where we came to check a box. It was a genuine consultation in which each of the options was examined on its merits.

โ€” senior diplomatic sourceDescribing the nature of the meeting between Netanyahu and Trump.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.