Trump threatens attack on Iranian facility – Tehran rejects accusations

The facility: deep underground

The facility is a tunnel complex located deep underground at Mount Kuh-e Kolang, south of the Natanz nuclear facility in the center of the country. According to the accompanying text, the facility is considered well secured and could be an important component of the Iranian nuclear program. However, little is known about the exact purpose of the underground facility.

Trump had previously threatened to attack the complex. During the meeting with Lebanese head of state Aoun, he reiterated this threat. The formulation "with full force" suggests that Washington intends to significantly increase pressure on Tehran.

Background: Explosion at Natanz in 2020

The background to the current escalation is a fire and explosion that severely damaged an above-ground assembly hall for advanced centrifuges at Natanz in July 2020. Iran spoke of sabotage at the time. According to the report, construction of the underground facility at Kuh-e Kolang only began after this incident — a circumstance that is interpreted in Washington as an indication of the strategic significance of the site.

The "Pickaxe Mountain" facility is located in central Iran, not far from the well-known Natanz nuclear facility. International observers consider the complex particularly difficult to attack due to its depth. Should a US attack actually occur, it would represent another escalation in the conflict over the Iranian nuclear program that has been smoldering for years.

Diplomatic defense from Tehran

While the United States is signaling a military buildup of pressure, Tehran is working on a diplomatic defense. The reference to full reporting to the IAEA is aimed at dispelling the accusation of secret nuclear activities. Whether this argument will hold up at the international level remains unclear.

Uncertain timeline

It remains unclear how close a possible attack actually is. Trump spoke of "very soon," without naming a specific time. The US government has so far not released any official intelligence information that would substantiate the need for a military strike against "Pickaxe Mountain."

The development is likely to also put pressure on US allies in Europe and the region. Israel had already pushed in the past for a more consistent stance on the Iranian nuclear program. At the same time, diplomats are warning of the consequences of renewed military intervention in the Middle East.