Iran moves nuclear centrifuges underground at Mount Pickaxe, limiting strike options

Israeli intelligence believes Iran has moved thousands of nuclear centrifuges to Mount Pickaxe, burying them deep underground. This move significantly complicates any potential airstrikes, leaving limited military options.

According to the Wall Street Journal, citing US and Israeli officials, Iran made this transfer last fall. This followed a 12-day conflict in June 2025, during which the US deployed B-52 bombers to strike Iran's underground nuclear facilities. US President Donald Trump recently stated that "Pickaxe is a potential target for a nice big shot right near the front door," adding, "We don't see any activity there. They are not doing well with their nuclear situation... We will probably hit Pickaxe pretty soon."

Satellite imagery shows trucks entering and exiting the Mount Pickaxe facility, suggesting Iran may be rebuilding its nuclear infrastructure. The facility's depth means conventional bombs cannot reach it. This leaves a ground operation or the use of "non-conventional weapons" as the only military options, according to C14news.

Experts believe there is no conventional military solution currently available. The facility's depth renders even bunker-buster bombs ineffective. Using newer weapons like the B61 bomb is unlikely due to the risk of giving Moscow an excuse to use tactical nuclear weapons. This leaves few operational choices, such as a complex ground operation or blocking tunnel entrances. However, past experience shows Iran can quickly restore its infrastructure.

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Pickaxe is a potential target for a nice big shot right near the front door. We don't see any activity there. They are not doing well with their nuclear situation… We will probably hit Pickaxe pretty soon.