Israeli intelligence sources have reported the relocation of thousands of uranium enrichment centrifuges belonging to Iran to a heavily fortified, underground facility near the Natanz nuclear power plant. This complex, reportedly situated within an area known as “Pickaxe Mountain” or Kolang Mountain, is estimated to be housed between 90 and 140 meters beneath granite rock, suggesting significant difficulty in neutralizing it via air strikes, according to the Wall Street Journal. The alleged transfer of the centrifuges occurred following recent Israeli and American airstrikes targeting three of Iran’s primary nuclear facilities.
Israeli authorities have communicated this intelligence to the United States, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has advocated for sustained military pressure on Iran. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has also suggested the complex could be a future target.
Experts from the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) have noted sustained activity in the region over the last 15 months, observing increased truck movements, reinforced tunnel entrances, and expanded security protocols. However, public evidence confirming active uranium enrichment operations at the facility remains unavailable. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has not been granted access to the complex and has not issued a statement regarding the Israeli claims.
Iran maintains that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes.
Topics: #nuclear #iran #centrifuges
