Pickaxe Mountain, Known In Persian As Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La

What We Know About Pickaxe Mountain Pickaxe Mountain, known in Persian as Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La, has become the focus of renewed international attention amid escalating tensions over Iran’s nuclear program. The heavily fortified underground site lies near Iran’s main nuclear complex at Natanz, about 220 kilometers 140 miles south of Tehran. Construction of the facility began around 2020 after repeated sabotage attacks on the nearby Natanz nuclear site. Analysts believe Iran started building the mountain complex to better protect sensitive nuclear infrastructure, including centrifuge production and uranium enrichment activities, from potential airstrikes. Satellite imagery and expert assessments suggest the facility is buried roughly 80 to 100 meters 260 to 328 feet beneath the mountain, making it significantly more difficult to destroy than other known Iranian nuclear sites. The tunnel complex features multiple entrances, reinforced security measures, and extensive underground construction. The site has never been inspected by the International Atomic Energy Agency IAEA, leaving uncertainty over its exact purpose. While Iran has previously informed the agency of its intention to conduct nuclear-related activities there, inspectors have not been granted access to verify what equipment or materials may be inside. Recent intelligence assessments cited by U.S. and Israeli officials claim Iran may have moved thousands of advanced uranium-enrichment centrifuges and possibly part of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to Pickaxe Mountain following the 2025 conflict with Israel. Iran has not publicly confirmed those claims. The facility has gained additional prominence after U.S. President Donald Trump publicly identified Pickaxe Mountain as a potential military target, saying the United States could strike the site. Military experts note that its depth and reinforced construction could limit the effectiveness of even the most powerful conventional bunker-busting bombs, making it one of the most challenging potential targets in Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Iran maintains that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes. However, Western governments and Israel remain concerned that deeply buried facilities such as Pickaxe Mountain could be used to preserve or expand Iran’s uranium enrichment capabilities while reducing vulnerability to military attacks.