The latest
Israeli officials believe President Donald Trump is moving closer to expanding military operations against Iran after threatening to strike the “Pickaxe Mountain” nuclear site. They assess that the final decision now rests with the White House, even as Qatari and Omani mediators continue efforts to secure a ceasefire, according to Yedioth Ahronoth and U.S. media reports.
Details
- Trump’s warning: Trump said any site Iran intends to use for nuclear activity would be hit “with great force,” specifically warning that the Pickaxe Mountain facility would also be targeted if Tehran attempts to rebuild its nuclear infrastructure.
- Israeli assessment: According to Yedioth Ahronoth, Israeli officials say Washington has reinforced its military posture in the region, deploying additional aerial refueling aircraft and forces in preparation for possible scenarios involving Iran.
- Nuclear site: The Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. and Israeli officials, reported that Israeli intelligence believes Iran transferred thousands of uranium-enrichment centrifuges to the Pickaxe Mountain facility near Natanz over the past year.
- Israel’s position: An Israeli official said Jerusalem does not currently seek to join the U.S.-Iran confrontation but warned that any Iranian attack on Israel would trigger a large-scale military response.
- Diplomatic track: At the same time, Qatar and Oman are reportedly promoting a 10-day ceasefire proposal aimed at creating space for renewed negotiations.
Background
Pickaxe Mountain gained prominence after an explosion damaged a centrifuge assembly facility at Natanz in 2020. The International Atomic Energy Agency says Iran informed it in 2021 of plans to conduct “nuclear activities” at the site, but Tehran has not granted inspectors access, leaving its purpose under continued international scrutiny.
Between the lines
If Israeli assessments prove accurate and the United States expands its strikes, the conflict could shift from limited military exchanges to a broader campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, significantly increasing the risk of direct Israeli involvement should Iran retaliate.
What to watch
Attention will focus on whether Washington authorizes strikes against Pickaxe Mountain, the outcome of Qatari and Omani mediation efforts, and any new findings by the International Atomic Energy Agency regarding the site.
