2 months ago
Israel Accuses Iran of Hiding Nuclear Equipment in Tunnels
Israel says Iran has moved equipment used to enrich uranium into secret tunnels under a mountain.
This worries Israel and the US because they think Iran might be trying to make nuclear weapons without anyone knowing.
Iran says it's not making weapons, but it won't let inspectors check the tunnels.
The US president has threatened to attack the tunnels.
The tunnels are very deep and hard to destroy.
Israel and the US are worried Iran might be secretly trying to make weapons-grade uranium.
Israel claims Iran moved uranium-enrichment centrifuges to secret tunnels under Pickaxe Mountain.
The transfer happened after Israeli strikes and a US military operation damaged Iran's nuclear facilities in June 2025.
Iran has not allowed inspections of the site, raising concerns about potential secret nuclear activities.
US President Donald Trump has threatened to target Pickaxe Mountain in the ongoing conflict.
The tunnels are over 100 meters deep and could house several nuclear-related facilities.
- Who
- Israel, US, Iran
- What
- Transfer of uranium-enrichment centrifuges to secret tunnels
- Where
- Pickaxe Mountain (Mount Kolang), near Natanz nuclear complex, Iran
- When
- Last autumn, after Israeli strikes and US military operation in June 2025
- Why
- To evade inspections and airstrikes, potentially to rebuild nuclear programme
Israel and US
Iran
Nuclear Equipment Transfer
Israel and US
Israel claims Iran moved uranium-enrichment centrifuges to secret tunnels to evade inspections and airstrikes.
Iran
Iran denies pursuing nuclear weapons and has not disclosed the nature of activities at Pickaxe Mountain.
Military Action
Israel and US
Israel and the US consider targeting Pickaxe Mountain to prevent potential nuclear weapons development.
Iran
Iran has not publicly responded to threats but has not allowed inspections of the site.
Key facts
- Location
- 220 km south of Tehran, near Natanz nuclear complex
- Depth
- Over 100 meters beneath solid rock
- Recent Activity
- Increased truck movements, reinforced tunnel entrances, and wider security perimeter
- Uranium Enrichment
- Iran has accumulated 450 kg of uranium enriched to 60% purity
- IAEA Access
- Iran has not allowed inspections of Pickaxe Mountain
- Military Threats
- US President Donald Trump has threatened to target Pickaxe Mountain
Quotes
Rafael Grossi
IAEA Director General
“We don't know what Iran's intentions are, but the fact that we can't verify this site underscores how problematic the status quo is.”
NDTV
“Pickaxe is a possible target for a nice big fat shot right near the front door”
NDTV
Sources
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