U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened a military strike on a heavily fortified Iranian site located under the mountain known as 'Kulungh Alaz-Na,' or 'Axe Mountain,' near the Natanz uranium enrichment facility. This comes amidst suspicions that the site may be involved in activities related to Iran's nuclear program.
Responding to journalists' questions at the White House, Trump stated, "We can strike Axe Mountain very soon," marking the latest American threat to target sensitive sites within Iran.
The mountain is located south of the Natanz facility, approximately 225 kilometers south of Tehran, and hosts an underground site believed to be among Iran's most fortified installations.
Experts estimate that parts of the installation might be situated between 80 and 100 meters below the earth's surface, surrounded by very hard rock, with assessments suggesting a network of fortified tunnels and entrances.
Iran began constructing the site in 2020 following a series of sabotage attempts on the Natanz facility, which have been attributed to Israel.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has been unable to access the site, and expert assessments indicate it might be used for activities related to uranium enrichment or the manufacture and assembly of centrifuges.
Military Challenge
The site's location and potential depth pose a challenge to any military operation targeting it, with questions about the ability of U.S. munitions designed to penetrate deep fortifications reaching parts of the installation beneath the mountain.
Trump's threat comes amid increasing U.S. pressure on Tehran, as tensions over its nuclear program and the future of U.S.-Iran relations continue to rise.
It remains unclear whether the U.S. President's statements indicate readiness for an imminent strike or are meant to increase pressure on Iran, as the White House has not announced specific military plans targeting the site.