The latest
Mount Pickaxe is no longer seen as the only potential target if the United States resumes military action against Iran. According to The Wall Street Journal and experts at the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), Washington could also target nuclear facilities and support sites that were not completely destroyed in previous strikes if President Donald Trump orders a new offensive.
Details
- Omani mediation: CBS News, citing regional officials, reported that Omani talks over the Strait of Hormuz are progressing positively and that the pause in U.S. strikes was intended to avoid disrupting the sensitive negotiations.
- Mount Pickaxe: Trump has identified the site as a possible future target, while Israeli intelligence reportedly believes it houses centrifuges and equipment linked to Iran’s nuclear program.
- Taleghan 2: The Institute for Science and International Security says satellite imagery suggests Iran has refurbished the site inside the Parchin military complex despite previous Israeli strikes.
- Isfahan: Recent satellite images show tunnel entrances remain sealed while vehicle activity continues above ground. Experts believe the movement is more likely linked to removing materials than restarting operations.
- Fordow and Natanz: Although both enrichment facilities sustained extensive damage during the 2025 strikes, support buildings and remaining infrastructure could still be included in any future target list.
Background
The United States and Israel struck the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites during military operations in June 2025 aimed at degrading Iran’s nuclear capabilities. However, U.S. officials and nuclear experts argue that completely dismantling the program would require continued monitoring of newly identified or rebuilt facilities. Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says its visibility into parts of Iran’s nuclear activities has declined since Tehran reduced cooperation with inspectors. Iran maintains that its nuclear program is exclusively for peaceful purposes.
Between the lines
The emerging target list suggests that any future military campaign would likely prioritize preventing Iran from rebuilding its nuclear capabilities rather than repeating strikes on already devastated facilities. It also highlights the growing importance of intelligence assessments and satellite imagery in identifying newly active sites.
What to watch
Whether military operations resume will depend on the outcome of Omani mediation, the course of U.S.-Iran contacts, and updated intelligence assessments of Iran’s remaining nuclear infrastructure.
