U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran regarding construction activity at Pickaxe Mountain, a site believed to house part of Tehran’s nuclear program. The remark came amid heightened hostilities in the Middle East, including a series of attacks on commercial vessels near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking at the midterm Republican convention on Wednesday, Trump stated, “We notice there’s a little activity at Pickaxe. I would advise Iran not to get cute because we will have to hit them very hard.”
According to satellite imagery analysis published Wednesday by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), activity at Pickaxe Mountain—which sits just two kilometers from the heavily damaged Natanz uranium enrichment facility—has surged to unprecedented levels. Researchers noted more road traffic at the site in 2026 than at any other point in its history, indicating a shift from active excavation to probable internal construction and exterior reinforcement.
Pickaxe Mountain, known locally as Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La, is considered one of the last remaining components of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure following U.S. strikes in June 2025 that targeted facilities at Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. While CSIS analysts described the recent activity as “suspicious,” they stated they could neither confirm nor deny claims that Iran has relocated uranium centrifuges to the site. Iran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons.
Tensions escalated further on Wednesday when Iran reported firing ballistic missiles at a U.S. military base in Jordan and attacking 10 ships near the Strait of Hormuz. The strait is a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, handling approximately 20% of the world’s oil traffic. Earlier in the week, U.S. Central Command also reported engaging Iranian targets.
Oil markets reacted to the instability, with Brent crude holding above $100 a barrel despite some reversal in price action. In response to the widening conflict, the U.S. has imposed sanctions on Iranian airlines to tighten economic pressure.
A spokesperson for Iran’s Embassy in London did not immediately return requests for comment regarding the latest developments.
Oil above $100 is already hurting everyone. We need de-escalation yesterday, not more rhetorical fireworks from either side.
Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? The 2025 strikes didn’t stop the nuclear program. What makes anyone think threats will work now?
Is Pickaxe Mountain actually defensible, or is this just bluster? I wonder if Trump realizes the geography works against him.
Twenty percent of the world oil flows through that strait. If this escalates, gas prices here will skyrocket immediately.