Trump Warns Iran Over Activity at Pickaxe Mountain Amid Escalating Tensions in Hormuz Strait
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Iran against increasing activity near the suspected nuclear site of Pickaxe Mountain, located just two kilometers from the damaged Natanz uranium enrichment facility. Satellite imagery analyzed by CSIS shows a significant surge in construction and tunneling at the site since early 2026, raising concerns about potential advancements in Tehran's nuclear program. Simultaneously, tensions have escalated between U.S. and Iranian forces near the Strait of Hormuz, with both sides exchanging attacks on tankers. Iran claimed to have attacked ten ships in the region, while U.S. Central Command reported destroying five Iranian oil tankers following missile strikes by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The conflict has heightened fears of supply disruptions in a critical global energy corridor and contributed to volatility in oil markets.
Topics: Iran Natanz facility Pickaxe Mountain satellite imagery Strait of Hormuz Trump